Kirk Herbstreit reacts to Alabama loss to FSU: 'As average and lethargic as they could look'

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.

The ‘Noles and Crimson Tide were tied at seven through the first quarter, but Florida State rattled off 17 unanswered points to take a 24-7 lead with 9:45 remaining in the third quarter. Alabama 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.

Alabama opened a season with a loss for the first time since 2001 (UCLA) and has now lost three of its last four games dating back to last season (Oklahoma, Michigan and Florida State). ‘ESPN College GameDay‘ panelist Kirk Herbstreit ripped Alabama for its performance during Saturday night’s Clemson/LSU broadcast.

Herbstreit calls Alabama ‘average and lethargic’

“I think the shocker of the day is Alabama and Florida State,” Herbstreit said. “Both how average Alabama looked and how dominant Florida State looked. Average. As average and lethargic as they could look.”

“On the other end of that, Mike Norvell and Florida State showed up with an attitude and they were tired of hearing about 2-10. Give them all the credit in the world. They look like they’re gonna be a fun team to watch this year, but Alabama’s got ALOT of work to do.”

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.

“It was a complete team victory, and that’s what I love,” Norvell said postgame. “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.”

The Seminoles open the season strong, while Alabama will head back to the drawing board in an attempt to get its young season back on track.