TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) – Keelon Russell threw for 320 yards and three touchdowns and ran for another score as the no. 10 Alabama overcame a 15-point deficit to win State of Florida 50-36 on Saturday.
The Crimson Tide (3-0) struggled to run the ball early and had few answers for Florida State’s explosive plays. Once Alabama settled in, Florida State (1-2) struggled to slow it down.
Russell completed 23 of 30 passes without an interception and Alabama finished with 615 yards. Lotzeir Brooks caught eight passes for 101 yards.
Lightning delayed kickoff and interrupted the second quarter, and the teams agreed to go through the first half after the second delay.
Alabama scored touchdowns on five consecutive possessions during the second and third quarters to turn a 21-6 deficit into a 40-28 lead.
Ryan Coleman-Williams turned a short completion into a 46-yard touchdown and Russell found it Caleb Edwards for the score before the break.
Florida State cut the deficit to seven midway through the fourth quarter. Trae’shawn Brown answered with a 20-yard run with 2:15 left, capping a 90-yard drive. Bray Hubbard eavesdropped Ashton Daniels‘ pass the possession that followed.
Quarterback Keelon Russell rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against Florida State. (Photo by Jason Clark/Getty Images)
Takeaway
Florida State: The team built an early cushion, but couldn’t make enough stops to repeat last season’s stunning win over Alabama in Tallahassee.
Alabama: The comeback should ease some nerves for Crimson Tide fans after halftime, but defensive breakdowns and inconsistent fielding performance left a lot to address before returning to Southeastern Conference play.
In continuation
Florida State: Hosts Central Arkansas next Saturday to wrap up nonconference play.
Alabama: Hosts South Carolina next Saturday.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
