The Alabama Crimson Tide, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, faces mounting frustration after a disappointing performance against Florida State on Saturday. What was expected to be a marquee matchup between perennial ACC powerhouses quickly turned into a showcase for a confident Florida State squad, which carried a 17-7 lead into halftime and looked one step ahead of the Crimson Tide throughout the contest.
Seminoles' domination leads to social media outcry
Florida State stunned Alabama fans by executing efficiently on both sides of the ball, leaving the Tide searching for answers from the opening whistle. Quarterback Thomas Castellanos spearheaded the Seminoles’ attack, while new offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn’s game plan kept Alabama’s defense off balance. The Seminoles, coming off an abysmal 2-10 campaign last season, showed remarkable poise, reversing expectations and controlling the game's tempo.
Alabama needs to find a replacement for Kalen DeBoer FAST. He is not the answer for this program.
— Caribbean Capper🏄🏽♂️ (@CaribbeanCapper) August 30, 2025
Sure, it’s impossible to find someone as good as Saban. But you can find a hell of a lot better than DeBoer anywhere you look.
The people of Tuscaloosa might murder Kalen DeBoer by the time this season is over
— Jacob Schumacher (@Jacob_Schu_24) August 30, 2025
Kalen DeBoer looking like a substitute teacher who has lost control of his class pic.twitter.com/KP8kMVcrXc
— Hail Florida Hail (@HailFloridaHail) August 30, 2025
Nick Saban knew going into this game it was going to be a tough one, saying on College GameDay season opener, according to On3: “I do think (Florida State) has been a very difficult preparation. Florida State has 13 or 14 starters out of the portal, plus they’ve got a new offensive coordinator and a new defensive coordinator. So for a first game, it’s always a tough preparation, but this one is especially difficult with all the change.”
As the second half unfolds in Tallahassee, Alabama faces a deficit on the field and a growing wave of unrest off it. DeBoer’s ability to rally his team—and quiet the critics—will be under the microscope as the Tide looks to avoid an opening-week letdown and reset the narrative for their season.
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