Stunner! Florida State shocked No. 8 Alabama 31-27 at Doak Campbell Stadium, earning its first win over the Tide since 2007. Behind D.J. Uiagalelei’s leadership, Keon Coleman’s big plays, and a swarming defense, the Seminoles ended nearly two decades of frustration, reigniting national respect and playoff hopes.

Florida State Stuns No. 8 Alabama at Doak Campbell Stadium

While much of the college football world expected Alabama to roll into Tallahassee and flex its top-10 ranking, Florida State flipped the script in thrilling fashion, delivering a 31-27 upset that sent Doak Campbell Stadium into pure chaos. For the Seminoles, this wasn’t just a statement win it was history. The victory marked their first triumph over the Crimson Tide since 2007, ending nearly two decades of frustration and proving that Florida State is ready to rejoin the national conversation.

From the opening whistle, it was clear this game would be far from routine for Alabama. While the Crimson Tide’s offense leaned on its ground game early, Florida State’s defense showed energy and aggression, flying to the football and refusing to be intimidated. The Seminoles held Alabama to just a field goal on its opening drive, and the home crowd fed off every stop, sensing something special brewing.

The momentum shifted sharply in the first quarter when FSU quarterback D.J. Uiagalelei (in his second season with the Seminoles) delivered a perfectly placed 42-yard strike to receiver Keon Coleman, who shook off a defender and sprinted into the end zone. That touchdown gave Florida State an early 7-3 lead, electrifying the stadium and planting the seed of belief.

While Alabama answered with a powerful 10-play drive capped by a short touchdown run from Justice Haynes, the Seminoles refused to let the Tide take control. Uiagalelei engineered another sharp series, mixing quick passes with running back Lawrance Toafili’s bursts between the tackles. The drive ended with Toafili bulldozing his way across the goal line from 6 yards out, giving Florida State a 14-10 advantage midway through the second quarter.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, known for his athleticism, tried to rally his team. He showcased his dual-threat ability with a 23-yard scramble that set up another touchdown, this time a pass to wideout Isaiah Bond. Suddenly, Alabama was back in front, 17-14, and the Tide faithful who had traveled to Tallahassee made their presence felt. But Florida State remained unfazed. With less than two minutes left in the half, Uiagalelei calmly moved the Seminoles into field goal range, and Ryan Fitzgerald drilled a 48-yard kick as time expired to send the teams to the locker room tied at 17-17.

The second half was where the upset truly began to take shape. Florida State’s defense adjusted brilliantly, putting constant pressure on Milroe and forcing him into uncomfortable situations. A third-quarter interception by defensive back Renardo Green halted an Alabama drive deep in Seminole territory and flipped momentum right back to FSU.

Capitalizing immediately, Uiagalelei connected with Johnny Wilson for a 27-yard gain that set up another touchdown strike to Coleman his second of the night. Suddenly, the Seminoles led 24-17, and the Doak Campbell crowd erupted into deafening chants.

Alabama, of course, would not go down quietly. The Tide clawed their way back with a methodical drive capped by a field goal to cut the deficit to 24-20. The game entered the fourth quarter hanging in the balance, with both defenses tightening and every play carrying championship-level intensity.

The defining moment came with just under five minutes remaining. Facing a 3rd-and-8 near midfield, Uiagalelei dropped back against heavy pressure and launched a deep ball down the sideline. Coleman, once again the hero, leapt above a defender and hauled in a spectacular 38-yard catch. Two plays later, Toafili rumbled into the end zone for his second touchdown of the night, extending the lead to 31-20.

Alabama mounted one final charge. Milroe marched his offense downfield and hit Bond for another score with just over a minute left, trimming the deficit to 31-27. But Florida State’s special teams delivered the dagger: recovering the ensuing onside kick to seal the victory.

As the final seconds ticked off the clock, Seminole players stormed the field, celebrating one of the program’s most important wins in recent memory. Head coach Mike Norvell, who has spent the past few seasons rebuilding Florida State into a national contender, called it “a defining moment” for his team.

“This is what Florida State football is about,” Norvell said postgame. “Toughness, resilience, and belief. Our guys refused to back down, and tonight they made history.”

For Alabama, the loss was a stunning reminder that life after Nick Saban will not come easy. The Tide entered the season with high expectations, but breakdowns in coverage, turnovers, and costly penalties doomed them on the road. While Milroe showed flashes of brilliance, finishing with two touchdowns and over 250 total yards, Alabama’s inability to control the line of scrimmage ultimately cost them.

For Florida State, the victory carries massive implications. Not only does it boost their College Football Playoff hopes, but it also sends a clear message to the rest of the ACC and beyond: the Seminoles are back as a legitimate force on the national stage. Keon Coleman’s dominance, Uiagalelei’s leadership, and a ferocious defense combined to deliver the program’s biggest win in over a decade.

As fans poured onto the field, many carried signs that read “2007 No More,” a nod to the long drought against Alabama. With the 31-27 upset in the books, Florida State not only shook up the rankings but also reclaimed a sense of identity and pride that had been missing for years.