Florida State toppled Alabama 31-27 last weekend in one of the most anticipated college football games of the young season, handing the Crimson Tide a rare early loss and sending a message that the Seminoles are back among the nation’s elite programs. The game, played Saturday night in Tallahassee, drew a packed crowd and a national TV audience. FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos lit up the Tide’s defense, throwing for 280 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Jaylin Lucas was his top target, hauling in two scores including the go-ahead touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Alabama, led by quarterback Ty Simpson, kept it close with a steady ground attack and a late touchdown drive. But the Seminoles’ defense came up clutch, forcing a turnover on downs in the final two minutes.

“It’s a huge win for our program,” Thomas Castellanos said after the game. “Alabama has been the standard for so long. Tonight we proved we can play with anyone.” The victory marks Florida State’s first win over Alabama since the early 2000s and could boost the Seminoles into serious College Football Playoff contention. For Alabama, the loss raises early questions about wether this team has the firepower to dominate as it has in past seasons. Flordia State has two home games against East Texas A&M and Kent State before starting ACC play September 26 at home against Virginia.