TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --It was not always pretty, but Alabama found a way to overcome another slow start and a long day of weather delays to beat Florida State, 50-36, at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide fell behind 21-6 before responding with an offensive explosion. Alabama finished with 567 yards of total offense, scored on nine consecutive possessions, and made enough plays on defense to complete the comeback. There was plenty to like about the resilience Alabama showed, but there were also several areas that must improve as the schedule becomes more difficult. Here is Ryan Fowler's Good, Bad, and Ugly from Alabama’s win over Florida State.[

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The Good

Alabama fans deserve a lot of credit.

Let’s begin with the fans who stayed through multiple lightning delays and continued to provide energy for the Crimson Tide. This turned into an extremely long day at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The scheduled kickoff was delayed, and the game was stopped again late in the second quarter. Many fans could have decided they had seen enough, especially after Alabama fell behind early, but a large number stayed and helped create a home-field advantage when the Crimson Tide needed it. Kalen DeBoer complimented the fans after the game and thanked them for staying. They deserve that recognition. Their patience and energy were a big part of the night.

The Offense Found Another Gear

Alabama’s offense was outstanding after the slow start, finishing with 567 total yards and 247 rushing yards. The Crimson Tide averaged more than eight yards per play and scored on nine consecutive possessions. Alabama also converted both of its fourth-down attempts, including a big conversion that kept an important drive alive. Once the offense found its rhythm, Florida State had very few answers. The balance was especially encouraging. Alabama was able to create explosive plays through the air while also taking control of the game on the ground.

Keelon Russell Had Another Big Day

Keelon Russell continues to show why Alabama has so much confidence in its sophomore quarterback. Russell completed 23 of 30 passes for 320 yards and accounted for four touchdowns without throwing an interception. He added 56 rushing yards, including a 57-yard touchdown run, to finish with 376 yards of total offense. The Crimson Tide also got the play-action passing game going. Russell completed all eight of his play-action attempts for 109 yards and a touchdown. When Alabama gave him time, he consistently created explosive plays and made Florida State pay. His composure may have been the most impressive part of his performance. Alabama was down 21-6, the offensive line was struggling, and the game was interrupted by weather, but Russell remained calm and helped lead the comeback.

Conor Talty Continues to Provide a Spark

Conor Talty continues to give Alabama confidence in the kicking game. He connected
on all three of his field-goal attempts, including kicks from 43 and 45 yards, and finished with 14 points. Championship teams need a reliable placekicker, especially when games become tighter later in the season. Talty’s consistency is becoming a real positive for Alabama.

The Bad

The Defense Allowed Too Many Yards and Third-Down Conversions

Alabama entered the game leading the country in opponent third-down conversion percentage. That success did not carry over against Florida State. The Seminoles finished with 471 yards of total offense and converted 8 of 15 third-down opportunities. Florida State averaged 7.4 yards per play and produced far too many explosive plays through the air. Alabama did force three interceptions, and those takeaways were important in changing the direction of the game. However, giving up that many yards and allowing Florida State to repeatedly extend drives is concerning.

The Offensive Line Struggled in the First Half

The offensive line had a difficult first half and did not consistently give Russell enough time to operate. Florida State created pressure, disrupted Alabama’s rhythm and helped put the Crimson Tide in an early hole. To the line’s credit, the group improved in the second half. Alabama eventually took control at the line of scrimmage and finished with 247 rushing yards. Still, the first-half protection issues must be corrected before Alabama faces stronger defensive fronts.

The Tackling Was Disappointing

Missed tackles allowed Florida State to turn manageable plays into explosive gains and keep drives alive. Alabama defenders were in position several times but failed to finish the play. That is especially frustrating because tackling is usually correctable. Alabama cannot afford to give good opponents extra yards and additional opportunities because defenders fail to get the ball carrier on the ground.

The Ugly

Another Slow Start

Alabama’s slow starts have become a troubling pattern in 2026. This time, the defense was the biggest problem early as Florida State raced to a 21-6 lead. It is fair to acknowledge the unusual circumstances. The initial lightning delay disrupted the normal pregame routine, and Florida State had two weeks to prepare for Alabama. Both factors may have contributed to the Seminoles looking sharper at the beginning of the game. However, Alabama cannot continue relying on second-half adjustments and dramatic comebacks. Against Kentucky, the Crimson Tide trailed at halftime before taking control. Against Florida State, Alabama again had to climb out of a significant hole. The response was impressive, and Alabama deserves credit for not panicking. But against the better opponents remaining on the schedule, the hole may eventually become too deep to escape.

Alabama is 3-0, and there is plenty to like about this team—especially its young quarterback and explosive offense. The Crimson Tide also showed toughness by responding to adversity and scoring 50 points after falling behind by 15. But the slow starts, missed tackles and defensive breakdowns must be corrected. Alabama survived those mistakes against Florida State. The question is whether it can continue doing so against the best teams in the SEC.

What would you include in your Good, Bad and Ugly from Alabama’s 50-36 victory over
Florida State?

I will have much more on this victory Monday at 2 p.m. on The Game with Ryan Fowler on
Tide 100.9 and at Tide1009.com.

I’m looking forward to hearing your opinions during our weekly Good, Bad & Ugly segment, presented by Daniel Moore Art.

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