No. 10 Alabama Overcomes 15 Point Deficit to Rally Past Florida State 50-36

Crimson Tide Rally Behind Keelon Russell’s Big Night to Stay Unbeaten

No. 10 Alabama overcame a 15 point deficit Saturday night, erupting for five consecutive touchdowns across the second and third quarters to rally past Florida State 50-36 in a wild Week 3 showdown. The Crimson Tide improved to 3-0 behind a spectacular performance from quarterback Keelon Russell, who threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground.

Russell completed 23 of 30 passes without an interception as Alabama piled up 615 total yards. Florida State, meanwhile, dropped to 1-2 despite repeatedly finding big plays against an Alabama defense that had been dominant on third down through the first two games.

Florida State Jumps Out to a 21-6 Lead

Alabama struggled to establish its running game early, managing just 27 rushing yards before halftime, while Florida State consistently attacked downfield with explosive plays. The Seminoles built a 21-6 advantage as Alabama struggled to find answers for Florida State’s big play offense. Florida State finished the night with 13 plays of at least 15 yards, including a 65-yard reception by Samuel Singleton Jr. on third and 14 that helped set up a third-quarter touchdown.

The Seminoles also kept themselves in the game by converting on third down. After Alabama’s defense had allowed just one third down conversion on 23 attempts during the first two weeks, Florida State went 8-for-15 on third down Saturday.

Lightning delayed the opening kickoff and later interrupted the second quarter. After another delay, the teams agreed to skip halftime, creating an unusual sequence as both teams attempted to maintain their momentum in a game that already had become a shootout.

Russell Sparks Alabama’s Comeback

Once Alabama’s offense settled in, the Crimson Tide began to find its rhythm. Alabama scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions spanning the second and third quarters, transforming a 21-6 deficit into a 40-28 lead. Ivan Taylor’s interception helped set up the comeback when Alabama quickly capitalized with Ryan Coleman-Williams hauling in a 46-yard touchdown reception.

Russell then gave the Crimson Tide its first lead just before halftime, connecting with Kaleb Edwards on a 16 yard touchdown pass with 22 seconds remaining. The score capped a remarkable turnaround after Alabama had spent much of the first half struggling to move the football consistently.

Lotzeir Brooks was another key contributor through the air, catching eight passes for 101 yards as Alabama’s passing attack repeatedly exposed openings in the Florida State secondary.

Big Plays Keep Florida State Within Reach

Florida State refused to go away after Alabama seized control. The Seminoles regained the lead in the third quarter before Alabama answered with a 4 yard touchdown run from EJ Crowell and a spectacular 57 yard scoring scramble by Russell. Russell’s legs proved just as dangerous as his arm, giving Alabama another dimension that Florida State struggled to contain.

Florida State eventually cut the deficit to seven midway through the fourth quarter, keeping the pressure on the Crimson Tide and giving the Seminoles an opportunity to steal the game late. Alabama responded with its most important drive of the night.

Trae’shawn Brown Delivers the Finishing Touch

Trae’shawn Brown put the game away with a 20 yard touchdown run with 2:15 remaining, capping a 90 yard drive that featured eight rushing plays and only one pass. Brown finished with 86 rushing yards and helped Alabama close out the victory after the Crimson Tide had struggled to run the football during the first half.

Florida State got one more opportunity, but Alabama safety Bray Hubbard intercepted Ashton Daniels’ pass on the ensuing possession, effectively ending the Seminoles’ comeback hopes. The Crimson Tide’s offense ultimately proved too much for Florida State to handle, finishing with 615 total yards after overcoming its early struggles.

Alabama Remains Unbeaten

The victory moves Alabama to 3-0 and provides the Crimson Tide with a dramatic early-season test after falling into a 15 point hole. Russell’s combination of passing efficiency and explosive running ability proved decisive, while Alabama’s ability to adjust offensively allowed the Crimson Tide to overcome a first half in which the running game produced almost nothing.

Florida State’s explosive offense kept the game competitive throughout, but Alabama’s second half surge ultimately separated the teams. After trailing 21-6, the Crimson Tide responded with an offensive explosion that turned the game around and allowed Alabama to escape with a 50-36 victory.