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Danny Kanell reacts to Florida State upset over Alabama, spotlights Lee Corso

Danby: Daniel Hager08/30/25DanielHagerOn3
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© RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Florida State shocked the college football world Saturday night as it hammered No. 8 Alabama 31-17 to open the 2025 season with a massive victory. The Seminoles are coming off the worst season in program history (2-10), but have totally wiped away that stigma with the monumental win.

Seminole legend Danny Kanell took to Twitter/X following the win, claiming that there was no way that Florida State would lose on Lee Corso‘s final day as an ESPN College GameDay panelist. Corso played quarterback and cornerback at Florida State from 1953-1957.

“God smiled on the Seminoles today,” he wrote. “You honestly thought they were going to lose on the last day Lee Corso donned the headgear???”

Kanell, who starred at quarterback, led the Seminoles to a National Championship in 1993 along with being named a Second Team All-American and ACC Player of the Year. He currently works for CBS Sports.

More on Florida State’s victory over Alabama

Alabama and Florida State were tied at seven through the first quarter, but the Seminoles rattled off 17 unanswered points to take a 24-7 lead with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter. The Crimson Tide cut it to a 24-17 game courtesy of a Rico Scott receiving touchdown early in the fourth, but a rushing touchdown by FSU back Gavin Sawchuck all but wrapped up the win for the ‘Noles.

“It’s incredible,” Florida State head coach Mike Norvell told ABC’s Katie George postgame. “All glory to God. I’ve been so blessed with the opportunity to coach these great players, to be at this wonderful institution. It’s truly special. The newly renovated Doak Campbell Stadium, all the investment, all the support, all the great former players who were here with us tonight – this is for them.

“I’m just so grateful that the good Lord is with us tonight. I’m proud of how our guys prepared, and they showed who they were tonight.”

Boston College transfer quarterback Thomas Castellanos had a huge game for Florida State in his program debut. He completed 9-of-14 passes for 152 yards in the air, but made his mark on the ground with 16 carries for 78 yards and a touchdown as part of a high-powered Seminoles rushing attack under new coordinator Gus Malzahn.

Mike Norvell praises quarterback Thomas Castellanos

Asked about Castellanos’ performance, Mike Norvell said it was emblematic of the way the whole team played. Florida State got it done in all three phases, which shows the payoff of the work the program put in over the offseason.

“It was a complete team victory, and that’s what I love,” Norvell said. “Offense, defense, they showed up big. … That’s what this game is all about. That’s how we train, that’s how we work. They were there for each other and just did a great job together.”

Alabama looked to impose its will on offense with the ground game, but the Florida State defense held strong. The Crimson Tide totaled just 87 rushing yards while Ty Simpson completed 23 of 43 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns in the air. FSU, meanwhile, totaled 230 rushing yards on the ground – led by the 78 from Castellanos and 56 yards on three carries from Micahi Danzy.

The Seminoles open the season strong, while Alabama has now lost three of its last four games dating back to last season.