FSU rolls over Alabama: Marching Chiefs’ War Chant for fans on field
Marching Chiefs play War Chant for fans who stormed the field after FSU win over Alabama
- Florida State upset No. 8 Alabama 30-17 in their season opener, marking a potential turning point for the program after a difficult previous season.
- Coach Mike Norvell’s adjustments and unwavering optimism paid off, with the Seminoles dominating the game on both sides of the ball.
- The victory energized the fan base, leading to a field rush and renewed hope for a successful season.
- FSU aims to build on this momentum in their upcoming home games against East Texas A&M, Kent State, and Virginia.
Mike Norvell’s offseason was one of adjustments.
He retooled his staff and roster, took a voluntary pay cut and streamlined his responsibilities into a CEO role.
Despite the shifts and heartfelt apologies for last season, Norvell kept his nerve and promised change. He also remained unwavering in his belief he could return Florida State football to the standard expected by the university, his boss and fans.
“His energy never went away, his optimism never went away,” FSU Vice President and Athletics Director Michael Alford told The Tallahassee Democrat Sunday morning.
“That really stood out to me.”
Norvell’s faith in his team and ability to respond and perform paid off Saturday, Aug. 30, when the Seminoles buried No. 8 and nearly two-touchdown favorite Alabama, 30-17, at electric Doak Campbell Stadium before a sold-out crowd in their season opener.
The outcome couldn’t be more clear.
It’s only the first step, but this year could be different.
“This is one game, and we understand it’s one game, but it was a big game,” Norvell said after the win.
Most FSU fans were probably hoping their team was competitive
It was a safe bet most fans went into the opener with fingers crossed the Seminoles were simply competitive after last year’s 2-10 debacle.
Competitive was an understatement.
“Overall, I thought it was big time,” said Mickey Andrews, who won two national championship as a player at Alabama and two at FSU as its acclaimed defensive coordinator.
“I think most everyone was hoping we played decent, that we couldn’t get embarrassed. That certainly wasn’t the attitude the players went into the game with. The coaches had them ready to play. It was so good to see them come together as a team like that.
“And I thought our crowd played a big part, too. It was good to see Doak full and excited about a football game. And it lasted for all 60 minutes.”
FSU football Juice Cryer shares reasons behind win over Alabama
FSU football’s LB Justin ‘Juice’ Cryer shares passionately about what led to win over Alabama
And then some, as students and fans rushed the field when the game ended and danced on the team’s new $300,000-plus “lay and play” turf that was installed two weeks ago. The ‘Noles are expected to get dinged with a $50,000 penalty by the ACC, which is cracking down on “breaches of event security.”
Not that Alford minded.
“It’s all good,” he said.
Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer says there are ‘no excuses’ for team’s play
It wasn’t so good in the opposite locker room, where Alabama coach Kelen DeBoer offered “no excuses” for the Crimson Tide’s performance. Alabama lost by two touchdowns in a season opener for the first time since 1970.
In Killearn Estates 20 minutes from Doak, the Bowden family had gathered to celebrate Ann Bowden’s upcoming 93rd birthday and watch the FSU-Alabama game.
It must have felt like old times when Alabama native and legendary FSU coach Bobby Bowden had his Seminoles primed and poised for any and all challengers.
Terry Bowden, who followed his father into coaching and went 1-3-1 against Alabama when he was head coach at Auburn, credited the Seminoles’ game planning.
“It looked like FSU was always one play ahead,” Bowden said.
Physicality was featured on both sides of the ball, too.
Under new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, FSU rushed for 230 yards and dual-threat transfer quarterback Tommy Castellanos accounted for 230 total yards, 72 rushing with a touchdown and 152 passing.
Afterward, Malzahn, 3-5 against Alabama when he was the head coach at Auburn and known for his run-first, up-tempo attack, said on X: “Felt like old times tonight.”
And new defensive coordinator Tony White dialed up the pressure on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. After the new starter led the Crimson Tide on a game-opening touchdown drive, the Seminoles dug in and tallied three sacks and seven tackles for loss.
Mighty Alabama looked bamboozled.
“FSU would not quit,” Bowden said.
“Every time you thought Alabama might make its move, FSU answered. It’s a shot in the arm the FSU program needed and can build from. And not forget what happened (last year) if you don’t play with enthusiasm.”
Seminoles celebrate win over Alabama, but must turn page
Like he does after every home game, Alford quickly huddled with Norvell late Saturday night in the lobby of the locker room. The pair has a strong relationship, and nobody wants FSU athletics to be successful more than Alford.
Football sets the tone, as always.
Alford also repeatedly credited the fans for their support and enthusiasm. He said the War Chant reverberated throughout the newly-renovated stadium and facility hours prior to kickoff as he met with recruits.
“They (fans) brought the energy from the very start,” Alford said.
Kudos to fans.
Last Friday, Alford told the university’s Board of Trustees that FSU had sold 30,900 season tickets for this football season. It is the second-highest sales total for FSU in the last five years. And the increases for premium seating options and the loyalty across all price points have generated an $8 million increase in revenue.
FSU fans want and deserve winning football. And the Seminoles continue their three-game homestand to open the season this Saturday, Sept. 6, against FCS East Texas A&M at noon. September’s schedule is set up perfectly for FSU to build momentum with Kent State and its ACC opener at Virginia.
But let’s enjoy this past Saturday a tad longer.
FSU football head coach Mike Norvell gives his thoughts on upset win over Alabama
FSU football head coach Mike Norvell gives his thoughts on upset win over Alabama
Against the Crimson Tide, FSU was the aggressor from start to finish.
Just like Norvell promised.
“It seemed like a whole attitude change, the way FSU played,” Andrews said. “You saw the offense and defense playing together. They looked excited.
“It’s a great win for the program.”
FSU football 2025 schedule
- Aug. 30, Alabama, 31-17
- Sept. 6, East Texas A&M, Noon
- Sept. 20, Kent State, TBA
- Sept. 26, at Virginia (Friday), 7 p.m.
- Oct. 4, Miami, TBA
- Oct. 11, Pittsburgh, TBA
- Oct. 18, at Stanford, 10:30 p.m.
- Nov. 1 Wake Forest, TBA
- Nov. 8 at Clemson, TBA
- Nov. 15 Virginia Tech, TBA
- Nov. 21 North Carolina State (Fri.), 8 p.m.
- Nov. 29, Florida, TBA
Jim Henry is sports editor of the Tallahassee Democrat. Email him at jjhenry@tallahassee.com.
