Florida State HC Following 31-17 Win Over Alabama in Season Opener

Florida State’s head coach, Mike Norvell, spoke with the press following the Seminoles' 31-17 victory over No.8 Alabama. Norvell spoke highly of his team and discussed what factors contributed to Florida State's win. 

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One of Norvell's primary topics was the heart his team displayed during the Seminoles' 14-point victory over the Tide in the season opener, following a disappointing 2-10 season the previous year.

Norvell said, “You saw heart tonight and you saw a team that absolutely loves playing this game together and were physically dominant and emotionally together,” which was the case in Saturday’s win with the Seminoles controlling the rushing game with Florida State having 230 rushing yards while Alabama had only 74. The Seminoles also had four rushing touchdowns compared to Alabama’s zero. 

Florida State’s head coach praised his defense for their ability to adjust and contain Alabama after the Tide's initial drive. That opening drive consisted of 17 plays, covering 75 yards and taking over eight minutes off the clock, ultimately resulting in a touchdown.

“Defensively, I mean, for the first drive to go so far against what we wanted the response, and just the adjustments and the swarming effect of our defense were remarkable.” Norvell added, “I thought we were able to create pressure and stop the run.” 

Norvell went on to respond to a question about being two touchdowns underdogs to Alabama and how much this game meant to the team, in which he replied, “It wasn’t about Alabama tonight, it was about us, and about this team and about the players that I get to coach.” Norvell said, “My focus was never at one point about them. It was just about this team being what I believe it could.”

The head coach discussed transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos, who joined the Seminoles from Boston College during the offseason. Castellanos had an impressive performance for Florida State on Saturday, recording 78 rushing yards and 152 passing yards. He completed nine out of 14 pass attempts and accounted for one rushing touchdown in the Seminoles' victory.

“He (Castellanos) really is a guy that when he steps on the field, ten guys on offense are better, and the guys he is competing against defensively, they support him and embrace all the things that he brings.” Norvell added, “But it's not just what he says, and that's where people can get caught up on somebody who's not afraid to talk and put thoughts out there, and he does with his actions.” 

Florida State will improve to 1-0, while Alabama falls to 0-1 to start the 2025 season. The Seminoles will look to keep their winning ways next Saturday when they host East Texas A&M, while Alabama will look to secure its first win of the season next Saturday when it takes on Louisiana Monroe at home.

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