Coming off a tough four-loss season last year – the first for Alabama since 2007 – and facing a Florida State squad recovering from its worst season ever, both programs are eager to make a strong statement. With rain expected, coaching strategies that anticipate adverse weather could play a crucial role in the outcome of this historic matchup.
Innovative Practice Drills for Rainy Conditions
During Wednesday night’s segment of ‘Hey Coach & The Kalen DeBoer Show,’ DeBoer elaborated on his approach to preparing the Crimson Tide for wet game conditions. He revealed his team’s rehearsals with balls treated to be exceptionally slippery, simulating the difficulty players will face handling the ball in wet weather.
“You can ask the offensive skill guys in particular what that looks like,” DeBoer said. “Wet balls, balls that are wet with soap on them, anything to make it as slippery as possible so they’ve got to really focus. I’m trying to give them the worst case scenario of what it could be, but that’s part of what we’re doing and getting ready because that’s certainly a possibility.”
He acknowledged the impact adverse weather has on gameplay and emphasized the importance of practicing under such conditions to avoid sloppy execution during the game.
“It definitely has an impact. I don’t care if you’re gonna do it, but do it right in practice. Sometimes it can go not quite as well as you want,” DeBoer added.
Adapting the Running Game Amid Injury Setback
Alabama will face another challenge going into this opener, as star running back Jam Miller remains sidelined with a dislocated collarbone sustained in mid-August. Miller’s absence leaves the backfield duties primarily to redshirt sophomore Richard Young and sophomore Daniel Hill.
- Richard Young — Ranked No. 63 in the 2023 recruiting class, Young has accumulated 170 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 36 carries over two seasons.
- Daniel Hill — Ranked No. 152 in the 2024 class, Hill had 61 yards and one touchdown on 21 rushes last season.
Both players will need to step up, especially given the wet conditions that require careful ball handling and adaptability on the run.
Historic Rivalry Renewed Under Weather Threat
The kickoff between Alabama and Florida State is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET on August 30 and will be broadcast on ABC. The two programs last met in 2017, when Alabama dominated with a 24-7 victory in the season opener.
Weather forecasts predict thunderstorms and scattered rain during the game in Tallahassee, calling for strong preparation by both teams.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Alabama
With weather potentially playing a key role and a reshuffled backfield, Alabama’s ability to adapt will be tested from the very first snap. The innovative drills introduced by DeBoer aim to give the Crimson Tide an edge under soggy conditions, while the young running backs look to seize their moment in the spotlight.
- Alabama seeks to bounce back from a rare four-loss previous season.
- Florida State attempts to recover from a historic low in 2-10 record.
- Both teams must adjust to unpredictable weather at kickoff.
