Sunday, 3 a.m.
At first glance, it appears that last year was the aberration for Florida State, not the year before.
It's an important distinction. Two years ago, the Noles started 11-0 and entered the playoff conversation. Last year, FSU tumbled to 2-10 and had one of the toughest years of anyone in the nation.,
Saturday, the Seminoles made sure that last year stands out like a sore thumb.
The Seminoles whomped Alabama, the No. 8 team in the nation, 31-17, to get off to a good start.
The Seminoles ran for 230 yards to beat Alabama, the first opener the Tide has lost since 2001.
Quarterback Tommy Castellanis had an impressive debut, throwing for 152 yards and rushing for 78 more. He hit receiver Jaylin Lucas on a 65-yard completion.
Alabama averaged just 2.6 yards per rush. Germie Bernard caught eight passes for 146 yards.
FSU jumped to a 24-7 lead. Alabama closed to 24 -17, but FSU drove 75 yards for the clinching touchdown.
FSU is home against East Texas A&M next week.
Florida 55, Long Island 0: The Florida Gators wanted an easy time of it for their opener. They wanted an easy win and brisk workout.
Mission accomplished.
The Gators overwhelmed Long Island University Saturday night, cruising in a name-your-score competition. Florida allowed only two first downs and 86 yards of total offense.
Quarterback D.J. Lagway hit 15 of 18 passes and backup Tramell Jones hit 12 of 18. Running back Jadan Baugh ran for 104 yards.
Long Island passed for just 48 yards and ran for 37. The Sharks got as close as Florida's 22 late, but a fourth-down pass fell incomplete.
The Gators are home against South Florida on Saturday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.