THUNDER DOME
ALABAMA, FLORIDA STATE KICK OFF THE SEASON IN ATLANTA
KEYS FOR ALABAMA
Hit ’em with Hurts. Alabama’s offense was different last year almost entirely because of the skillset of QB Jalen Hurts. Now a sophomore, Hurts should be one of the most recognizable offensive players on the SEC. The Seminoles should be better on defense, especially with the return of S Derwin James, but Hurts still has the potential to create headaches after an offseason to prepare for this high-profile opener.
Flummox Francois. Deondre Francois didn’t turn in a Jameis Winston-like redshirt freshman season for Florida State last year, but he did throw for 3,350 yards and nearly three times as many TDs (21) as inteceptions (seven). He should be even better this year, and Alabama’s path to securing another comfortable neutral-site victory to open a season starts with making Francois’ life difficult.
KEYS FOR FLORIDA STATE
Stop for stop. Even with some new starters to replace the usual NFL-bound talent, it’s safe to assume Alabama will make its share of defensive stands throughout the game. Florida State, which is extremely experienced on defense and particularly so in the secondary, needs to do the same. The Seminoles must bottle up Hurts, and it might be better equipped than anyone on Alabama’s schedule to do so.
Akers to roam. The dominant figure in Florida State’s offense was TB Dalvin Cook, who turned pro after his junior season. Although junior Jacques Patrick, last year’s backup, should shoulder some of the load, the Seminoles could feature touted freshman Cam Akers as soon as the opener. It’s as tough a test as Akers will see, but it will also give a barometer on just how much he can handle in his first college season.
PREDICTION
Alabama 27-21. The Crimson Tide simply have more answers in place as these teams head into their first meeting since 2007. Between Hurts, WR Calvin Ridley and TBs Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, not to mention DB Minkah Fitzpatrick, there’s a lot of star power in Alabama’s lineup. Florida State might need a week or two to sort out its offense, and time is a luxury it doesn’t enjoy entering this contest.