FSU’s big gamble on Gus Malzahn will be exposed by the Alabama Crimson Tide, as the Tide’s dominance on both sides of the ball will reveal Malzahn’s offensive limitations and lack of consistency.
Florida State University (FSU) has made a bold move by hiring Gus Malzahn as their offensive coordinator, betting that his high-powered offensive style and experience will turn around the Seminoles’ offense and bring them back to prominence. However, that gamble could be exposed in a major way when the Florida State Seminoles face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama, known for its elite defense and powerhouse offense, may be the perfect storm that reveals the limitations and inconsistencies in Gus Malzahn’s offensive philosophy, leaving FSU questioning if their big gamble was worth it.
Gus Malzahn is one of the more polarizing figures in college football. On one hand, he is credited with revolutionizing the spread offense during his tenure as the head coach at Auburn. On the other hand, his coaching style has been marked by inconsistency and a tendency to underperform in high-stakes situations. Over the years, Malzahn’s offenses have been known for explosive plays, high tempo, and unpredictability. But they’ve also been marred by a lack of long-term offensive balance, struggles against elite defenses, and an inability to make adjustments when it matters most.
When FSU made the decision to hire Malzahn, they were betting that his ability to design explosive offenses and develop quarterbacks would be the missing piece for a program that has seen its fair share of ups and downs in recent seasons. The Seminoles have struggled to maintain consistency on offense ever since their 2013 National Championship run under Jameis Winston, and bringing in Malzahn seemed like an attempt to revive a dormant offensive juggernaut. However, the reality of facing Alabama’s defense, which has proven to be one of the most dominant in college football over the past decade, could be a rude awakening for FSU and Malzahn’s offense.
Gus Malzahn’s Offensive Philosophy: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Gus Malzahn’s offensive style has always been rooted in a fast-paced, no-huddle attack. He is known for creating a system that takes advantage of tempo, misdirection, and spread formations to create mismatches and put defenses on their heels. At Auburn, Malzahn’s offense was dynamic when it was firing on all cylinders, especially in the early years of his tenure, where he helped lead the Tigers to an SEC Championship and a national title game appearance in 2013. However, Malzahn’s offenses often ran hot and cold, with periods of explosiveness followed by frustrating stretches of mediocrity.
One of the main criticisms of Malzahn’s offensive schemes is the lack of balance. He often places too much reliance on the quarterback’s ability to make plays on the fly, while sometimes neglecting to establish a consistent running game. This strategy worked when he had a quarterback like Cam Newton at Auburn, who could take over games with his legs and arm, but it faltered when Malzahn didn’t have a similarly dynamic playmaker at the position. Even when he had talent at quarterback, such as with Jarrett Stidham or Bo Nix, the offense struggled to maintain efficiency over the course of a full season.
In addition, Malzahn has often been criticized for his lack of adaptability. While his offense is designed to be fast and unpredictable, it can sometimes lack the nuance needed to succeed against elite defensive units. Alabama, with its long history of suffocating defenses, has consistently exposed these shortcomings. Malzahn’s offense is vulnerable to elite defenses that can disrupt the timing of his plays, shut down his running backs, and pressure the quarterback. It’s the type of defense that Alabama has mastered over the years, and it’s exactly what FSU will face when they take on the Crimson Tide.
The Alabama Defense: A Nightmare for Malzahn’s Offense
Alabama’s defense, coached by Nick Saban and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele, has long been regarded as one of the most formidable units in college football. Known for its discipline, speed, and ability to dominate up front, the Tide defense has stifled many high-powered offenses, especially in big games. What sets Alabama’s defense apart from others is its depth and ability to adapt to any offensive scheme. With multiple future NFL draft picks at almost every position, Alabama’s defense is built to stop the best offenses in the country.
The key to Alabama’s defense is its front seven. The Crimson Tide boasts some of the most talented linebackers and defensive linemen in the country, capable of applying pressure on the quarterback while maintaining gap discipline against the run. This is where Gus Malzahn’s offense could run into trouble. Malzahn’s fast-paced attack relies on the ability to control the tempo of the game and get defenders out of position. However, Alabama’s defense is well-coached to handle this type of offense. They have the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline and the strength to plug gaps, making it difficult for Malzahn’s offense to sustain long drives.
In past seasons, Alabama has exposed Malzahn’s inability to adjust when facing elite defenses. In their last matchup in 2021, Alabama’s defense completely shut down Auburn’s offense, which was led by Malzahn’s system. The Tide’s pass rush disrupted Auburn’s rhythm, and the secondary made it difficult for Auburn’s receivers to get open. As a result, Malzahn’s offense struggled to put points on the board, and Auburn’s hopes of an upset were dashed.
If FSU hopes to have any success against Alabama’s defense, they will need to be far more efficient and unpredictable than Malzahn’s previous Auburn offenses. They’ll need to establish a running game to keep Alabama’s defense off-balance, something Malzahn has struggled with in the past. Without the ability to control the clock and move the chains on the ground, it’s hard to see how FSU’s offense can survive against Alabama’s suffocating defensive front.
The Pressure on FSU’s Quarterback
One of the key factors in the success or failure of Gus Malzahn’s offense will be the play of FSU’s quarterback. Malzahn’s system relies heavily on quarterback play, as the signal-caller must be able to make quick decisions, read defenses, and execute plays under pressure. In Auburn, Malzahn had mixed results with quarterbacks. While he helped develop high-profile quarterbacks like Cam Newton and Nick Marshall, others—such as Jarrett Stidham and Bo Nix—struggled to find consistent success in his system.
For FSU, the stakes are even higher. The Seminoles have been searching for a quarterback who can step up and lead the team to victories, but inconsistency at the position has been a problem for years. If FSU is to have any hope of competing with Alabama, their quarterback will need to make quick, decisive plays and avoid mistakes. Against a team as talented as Alabama, a single mistake can be the difference between victory and defeat.
FSU’s quarterback will face immense pressure against Alabama’s defense. Alabama’s secondary is loaded with future NFL talent, and their ability to disrupt passing lanes and create turnovers is well-documented. Gus Malzahn’s offense, for all its flair and unpredictability, will be put to the ultimate test against a defense that can make quick adjustments and shut down an offense in a hurry. If FSU’s quarterback isn’t up to the challenge, it could be a long day for the Seminoles.
Alabama’s Offensive Power: Balancing the Tide’s Attack
While Alabama’s defense is expected to be a dominant force in the matchup, it’s important to remember that the Crimson Tide also boasts one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. Under DeBoer, the Tide has refined a balanced attack that can beat teams through the air or on the ground. With elite playmakers at running back and wide receiver, along with an experienced quarterback leading the charge, Alabama’s offense will keep FSU on their toes throughout the game.
The pressure on FSU’s defense will be immense. Alabama’s offensive line is one of the best in the country, and they will provide ample time for their quarterback to make plays downfield. FSU’s defense has had its share of struggles in recent seasons, and they will need to execute perfectly if they hope to keep Alabama from running up the score.
The Bottom Line: Alabama’s Dominance Will Be Too Much for FSU
At the end of the day, FSU’s gamble on Gus Malzahn could prove to be a costly one when they face Alabama. Malzahn’s offensive system, while innovative, has been exposed by elite defenses in the past, and Alabama’s defense is among the best in the nation. If Malzahn’s offense struggles to move the ball and generate consistent production, FSU will be in for a long game.
Alabama’s dominance on both sides of the ball will likely reveal the limitations of Gus Malzahn’s system. While FSU may find success in certain areas, the Tide’s relentless defense and balanced offensive attack will ultimately overwhelm the Seminoles. Gus Malzahn’s big gamble may end up being exposed, leaving FSU to reconsider whether they made the right call in hiring him as their offensive coordinator.
