From Alabama Crimson Tide On SI · · 1m 50s
Alabama's Revenge Game? Not Quite
Alabama faces Florida State in a rematch after last year's upset, but DeBoer says it's about growth, not revenge.
In brief
Alabama faces Florida State in a rematch after last year's upset, but DeBoer says it's about growth, not revenge. Alabama focuses on current season preparation rather than revenge after their 2025 loss to Florida State. Originally reported by Alabama Crimson Tide On SI.
First Loss in 24 Years
Alabama's 2025 loss to Florida State was their first season opener defeat since 2001.
Rapid Turnaround
Alabama won eight straight games, including four ranked matchups, becoming the fourth SEC team to do so.
Media Questions
After the loss, media asked how Alabama had grown, what changed, and if the loss still impacted their College Football Playoff spot.
DeBoer's Meeting
DeBoer intruded on a players-only meeting before Week 2 to 'bring that energy' after the loss.
CFP Seed
Alabama earned a No. 9 CFP seed and beat 8-seed Oklahoma before losing to 1-seed Indiana in the Rose Bowl.
Current Record
Alabama is now 2-0 (1-0 SEC) with wins over East Carolina and Kentucky.
Rematch Date
Alabama hosts Florida State on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
DeBoer's View
DeBoer says this is the 2026 team and that last year's loss is a memory, not a current concern.
Zabien Brown
Cornerback Zabien Brown says the team meeting was no different from any other game, focusing on current preparation.
Revenge Debate
DeBoer emphasizes the game should be about improvement, not revenge, but some players may still think about last year.
Channeling Energy
DeBoer says they channel last year's loss into preparation, not external noise, for this game.
Happy Medium
Alabama balances remembering last year's loss with current season focus for the rematch.
Key Takeaway
Alabama's focus is on current season preparation, not revenge, after their 2025 loss to Florida State.
The one thing
Alabama focuses on current season preparation rather than revenge after their 2025 loss to Florida State.
