According to former Seminole quarterback EJ Manuel, FSU’s supporters must defeat Alabama in the season opener.
FSU Supporters Must Defeat Alabama in Season Opener, According to Former Seminole Quarterback EJ Manuel
As the start of the college football season approaches, the Florida State Seminoles (FSU) are gearing up for one of their most anticipated matchups in years — a season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide. This game, set to take place in the first week of the season, carries significant weight for both programs. Alabama, with its rich football tradition, is coming off another championship-contending season, while Florida State has been building momentum under head coach Mike Norvell after a strong finish to the previous year.
Among the many voices weighing in on the significance of this clash, EJ Manuel, the former Florida State quarterback who had a standout career before making his way to the NFL, has been vocal about what a win against Alabama in the opener would mean for the Seminoles. For FSU supporters, Manuel argues, beating Alabama is not just important for the team’s immediate success but also for the future of the program and its reputation on the national stage.
In this article, we’ll dive into EJ Manuel’s perspective, analyzing why he believes FSU must take down Alabama in the season opener, the historical context of the matchup, the potential implications for both teams, and how this game could shape the 2025 college football season.
EJ Manuel’s Call to Action for FSU Supporters
As one of Florida State’s most celebrated quarterbacks in recent history, EJ Manuel is no stranger to high-stakes games. During his time with the Seminoles (2009-2012), Manuel led the team to several key victories, including an Orange Bowl win. He understands what it takes to win at the highest levels and is well aware of the pressure that comes with competing against a powerhouse like Alabama.
In speaking about the upcoming season opener, Manuel emphasized the critical nature of the game, stating that for Florida State’s supporters, a victory against Alabama would serve as the ultimate statement of relevance. The Seminoles have been rebuilding their program over the past few seasons after falling from their once-dominant perch in the ACC and national rankings. A win against Alabama — a team that has consistently ranked among the top football programs in the nation — would not only bolster Florida State’s national profile but also send a powerful message to recruits, the college football community, and fans across the country.
In his commentary, Manuel highlights the unique opportunity that the season opener provides. For many college football teams, facing a tough opponent early in the season can define the direction of the rest of the year. A victory over a team as storied as Alabama would provide instant credibility for Florida State, solidifying its place as a top-tier program. Manuel suggests that if FSU wants to return to national prominence and truly compete for titles, this is the game they must win — and that their fans must believe in that possibility.
Historical Context: The Power of Alabama and Florida State
To truly understand the significance of this season-opening matchup, it’s important to place it in the context of each program’s history.
Alabama, under the leadership of head coach Nick Saban, has become the standard-bearer for success in college football. With six national championships since 2009 and a track record of producing NFL talent year after year, Alabama has solidified itself as a dynasty. The program has long been synonymous with dominance in both the SEC and on the national stage, consistently finishing in the top ten of the AP Poll. They are an intimidating opponent for any team and a challenge that few can match.
However, Florida State, while not currently at Alabama’s level, has a rich football history of its own. The Seminoles are one of the most successful programs in college football, with a long-standing reputation for excellence. FSU has won multiple national championships, most recently in 2013, and has produced numerous NFL players, particularly in the 1990s and 2000s. Coaches like Bobby Bowden built the foundation for FSU’s rise to prominence, creating a program that could compete with the best teams in the country, including Alabama.
For much of the 1990s and 2000s, FSU was considered one of the top college football programs, but in recent years, the program has struggled to reclaim its former glory. After a series of coaching changes and underwhelming seasons, Florida State is attempting to find its footing once again. This is where the importance of this season opener against Alabama comes into play.
The Implications of the 2025 Season Opener for FSU
A victory over Alabama would have far-reaching implications for Florida State’s program, beyond just the win-loss column.
- Boosting National Perception
FSU’s win over Alabama would provide an immediate boost to the Seminoles’ national reputation. Alabama is considered the gold standard in college football, and a win over them, especially in the season opener, would force the college football world to sit up and take notice. Florida State would instantly be considered a contender, not just for the ACC title but for a potential College Football Playoff (CFP) spot.
In a college football landscape that is becoming increasingly competitive, a victory over a program like Alabama sends a powerful message that FSU is back and ready to compete at the highest level.
- Recruiting Power
One of the most immediate and lasting effects of a win over Alabama is the potential for recruiting success. High school athletes are often looking for schools with both a tradition of success and the potential to compete for titles. By taking down Alabama — a team that many recruits view as the pinnacle of college football — FSU would position itself as a desirable destination for top talent.
Recruits are constantly looking for programs where they can develop into NFL-caliber players while also having the opportunity to compete for championships. A win against Alabama would signal to prospective players that Florida State is serious about its football future, making them a more attractive option for elite athletes.
- Shifting the Momentum of the Program
A victory over Alabama would also have a significant impact on the momentum of FSU’s program. Coach Mike Norvell has been working hard to rebuild Florida State into a contender after several seasons of mediocrity. A win over Alabama would not only validate the progress Norvell has made but also create a sense of excitement and optimism around the program.
For FSU supporters, this win would serve as evidence that their patience is paying off and that their team is on the right path to returning to prominence. It would also inject a renewed sense of confidence into the locker room, pushing the players to elevate their performance for the rest of the season.
- Potential CFP Implications
A win over Alabama, especially early in the season, would have major ramifications in the College Football Playoff (CFP) race. The playoff committee is often looking for teams that have impressive wins against high-profile opponents. A victory against Alabama would put FSU on the radar for one of those coveted playoff spots, even if the rest of the season presents challenges.
The Seminoles would likely be ranked in the top 10, if not the top 5, after such a win, and could maintain a strong position for the remainder of the season as long as they continue to perform well in the ACC. The ACC Championship would be the next major goal for Florida State, but a win over Alabama could very well pave the way to an undefeated regular season and a potential berth in the College Football Playoff.
The Challenge of Facing Alabama
It’s worth noting that taking on Alabama in the season opener will not be an easy task. The Crimson Tide, led by Nick Saban, are known for their ability to reload every year, replacing key players with talented newcomers. They consistently have one of the most talented rosters in the country, and their defensive front, led by stalwart players, is one of the most dominant forces in college football.
In addition to a stout defense, Alabama’s offense, led by a talented quarterback and skilled wide receivers, is likely to present significant challenges for FSU’s defense. Alabama’s ability to control the line of scrimmage and manage the clock is one of the key factors that has made them so successful for over a decade.
Florida State will need to be at its best, both offensively and defensively, to pull off the upset. Coach Norvell will have to prepare his players for a physical battle against a team that will not back down. For FSU, the task is clear: outplay the elite team across the field.
