A Deep Dive into the Epic Battle for Supremacy
The rivalry between Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida State Seminoles is one of the most intense and storied in all of college football. The two schools have met on the gridiron 54 times since 1950, with Alabama holding a slim 28-25-1 advantage. However, Florida State has won the last four meetings and holds a 10-7 edge in games played in Tallahassee.
Key Statistics
- Overall Record: Alabama leads 28-25-1
- Games in Tallahassee: Florida State leads 10-7
- Last Meeting: Florida State won 24-13 on September 2, 2023
- Consensus National Championships: Alabama has 18, Florida State has 3
- College Football Playoff Appearances: Alabama has 10, Florida State has 4
- Heisman Trophy Winners: Alabama has 4, Florida State has 3
- First-Round NFL Draft Picks: Alabama has 18, Florida State has 14
The History of the Rivalry
The first meeting between Alabama and Florida State took place on November 11, 1950, and resulted in a 24-7 victory for the Seminoles. However, it was the 1960s and 1970s that saw the rivalry truly heat up. During that period, the two schools met nine times, with Alabama winning six of those meetings.
The 1979 Sugar Bowl is perhaps the most memorable game in the history of the rivalry. Alabama, led by quarterback Steve Sloan, upset top-ranked Florida State 20-17 in a thrilling contest. The victory gave Alabama its first national championship in 12 years and cemented the rivalry’s status as one of the best in the country.
The Current State of the Rivalry
In recent years, Florida State has been the more dominant team in the rivalry. The Seminoles have won the last four meetings, including a 24-13 victory in Tallahassee in 2023. However, Alabama remains the overall leader in the series and is always a formidable opponent.
Key Factors in the Rivalry
There are a number of factors that contribute to the intensity of the Alabama-Florida State rivalry:
- Geographic Proximity: The two schools are located just a few hours apart, making it easy for fans to travel to each other’s games.
- Historical Success: Both Alabama and Florida State have been among the most successful college football programs in the country over the past several decades.
- Similar Recruiting Bases: Both schools recruit heavily from the same areas, which leads to a lot of competition for top prospects.
- Fan Bases: Alabama and Florida State have two of the most passionate fan bases in the country. The games between the two schools are always packed and the atmosphere is electric.
The Future of the Rivalry
The Alabama-Florida State rivalry is one of the most storied in all of college football. The two schools have met on the gridiron 54 times since 1950, and the games have always been competitive and exciting. The rivalry is sure to continue to be a major force in college football for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Alabama-Florida State rivalry is one of the most intense and storied in all of college football. The two schools have met on the gridiron 54 times since 1950, and the games have always been competitive and exciting. The rivalry is sure to continue to be a major force in college football for many years to come.
Additional Notes
- The Alabama-Florida State rivalry is also known as the “Crimson Tide-Seminoles Rivalry.”
- The two schools have met in four bowl games, with Alabama holding a 3-1 edge.
- Alabama and Florida State are both members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
- The two schools are scheduled to meet again in Tallahassee on September 5, 2024.