Booger McFarland reacts to Florida State halftime lead, 'Gus Malzahan effect' vs. Alabama

After Florida State took a 17-7 lead into halftime against Alabama, Booger McFarland shared his reaction. He praised the impact Gus Malzahn was having on the Seminoles offense, particularly with the running game.

Florida State had 207 yards of offense in the first half of Saturday’s season opener – 126 of which came from the running game. Thomas Castellanos led the charge with eight carries for 56 yards and a touchdown while Micahi Danzy took a 32-yard run for a touchdown, as well.

By leaning into the running game – not to mention playing strong defense and holding strong against the Alabama rushing attack – McFarland said Malzahn’s already making an impact at FSU. Of course, it’s also not his first time going against the Crimson Tide.

“Call it the Gus Malzahn effect,” McFarland said as the ABC halftime show began. “This is a power-based run game that uses misdirection. Right now, Florida State’s averaging seven yards a carry. They’re controlling Alabama up front and conversely, on the other side, they’re making Ty Simpson play football.

“When Alabama can’t run the football, the offense is struggling. I like the game plan right now. And Gus has gone against Alabama before. Remember, he was the Auburn coach in the SEC.”

Anticipation has been building for Alabama vs. Florida State throughout the offseason. Castellanos notably made headlines when he told On3’s Pete Nakos that Nick Saban is not coming in to “save” the Crimson Tide – a remark which generated a strong response from Crimson Tide players.

But in the weeks before the matchup, FSU coach Mike Norvell said the program wasn’t shying away from the “big game mentality” it needs. He pointed out the magnitude of the contest and the amount of preparation necessary to get a win.

“This is a huge game. Huge game,” Norvell said during a media opportunity this week. “I’m not saying ‘it’s just like any other game.’ Hell no. It’s freaking Florida State vs Alabama. That’s awesome. Kicking off the season with a top-10 team coming in here for all of it. In the first game of the season, when you’re playing a first game, there’s so much going into establishing who you are right. What you do well. What you might face. The unknowns of what you could see.

“So yes, there are countless hours in all phases of what it could be. But it still starts with us. If you go out there and do what you think is going to work against this look or this team, but if it doesn’t fit you it won’t matter. It still comes down to making sure we’re on point with the things we can control and putting our guys in the best position. The amount of research and how far you go back and what you look at is extensive. Countless hours.”