‘Explosive Plays Killed Us’: Norvell Reacts to 50-36 Alabama Loss

TUSCALOOSA, Ala.—Florida State head coach Mike Norvell pointed to turnovers, explosive plays, and his defense’s inability to get off the field as the biggest problems in the Seminoles’ 50-36 loss to No.10 Alabama on Saturday, after Florida State led 21-6 early in the second quarter.

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In Saturday's loss, the Seminoles committed three turnovers, including a crucial one near the end of the first half when quarterback Ashton Daniels threw an interception to Ivan Taylor. That turnover led to an Alabama touchdown drive just before halftime, making it 26-21 at the break, and giving the Tide its first lead of the game. 

Daniels' third interception ended Florida State’s comeback hopes on its final drive, when Crimson Tide safety Bray Hubbard intercepted a pass, giving Alabama possession with 1:10 left in regulation.

Florida State, however, failed to record a takeaway and stopped the Crimson Tide on only two of Alabama’s 11 drives. Alabama scored on its final nine drives (not counting its last, which ended in victory formation), tallying six touchdowns and three field goals.

“When you come on the road in a hostile environment against a good football team, we gotta capitalize on those. We weren't able to create takeaways there defensively, and we had three turnovers, so that's a big part of the game.” 

Norvell told the media following Florida State’s 50-36 loss to Alabama. 

Alabama dominated offensively, totaling 567 yards. The Crimson Tide rushed for 247 yards overall, with just 27 coming in the first half but exploding for 220 in the second. Alabama averaged ten yards per carry after halftime, and its rushing attack wore down the Seminoles, a factor Norvell cited as key to the loss.

Norvell also pointed to explosive plays as a major factor in the loss, highlighting that Alabama had seven plays of over 20 yards, four of which resulted in touchdowns. He specifically mentioned redshirt freshman quarterback Keelon Russell’s 57-yard touchdown scramble late in the third quarter, which put the Tide up 40-28 with 2:15 left in the period.

"Explosive plays killed us. They throw the bubble and don't get the edge set, and obviously it's a long touchdown play. Obviously, the quarterback scramble run, and then you just as the run game got going for them later in the game kind of, it did wear on us, and we got to be able to get off the field, and you'll keep them in longer field situations, but yes, not good enough,” Norvell said.

The Seminoles' head coach also highlighted his defense's struggles on fourth down. While Florida State held Alabama to 4-of-12 on third-down conversions, the Tide converted both fourth-down tries, for ten points: a field goal and a 21-yard touchdown reception by freshman wide receiver Cederian Morgan for his first-ever collegiate catch and touchdown late in the second quarter. 

“We got to be able to get off the field. We showed capability in the early part of the game. We had allowed too many explosive plays tonight. You thought we did a better job on third down; obviously they converted two fourth downs there tonight that extended drives." Florida State's head coach told reporters following the Seminoles' second straight loss. 

Norvell and the Seminoles will look to get back on track next week at home, hosting Central Arkansas on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 2:00 p.m.

Micah Nichols covers Alabama baseball, football, and basketball for Tide 100.9. Follow @MicahNichols0 on X for in-game updates, highlights, and more Crimson Tide content.