A new rivalry in the SEC has started up with Alabama and Florida State facing off for the second time in three years.
Alabama will host Florida State at 4 p.m.
ET on ESPN.
Alabama has won the last two meetings, with the Crimson Tide taking the title on Nov. 4, 2014 in Gainesville, Fla.
The Seminoles were the reigning national champions and won the national title last year.
The Crimson Tide won the first meeting this year, 41-7.
Florida State won the other, 41 and 37-13, respectively.
In the past four meetings, Alabama has lost 13 of its last 15 games.
Here are five takeaways from this one: 1.
The win against Alabama was Alabama’s first since November.
In that span, the Tide has lost seven of its past eight games.
2.
This game could get very emotional in a hurry, with both teams making sure they have their gear on.
The Alabama defense has struggled this season, ranking 31st nationally in total defense (285.4 yards per game).
Florida State has won 11 straight and eight of the last nine, including two in a row.
3.
Alabama’s defense is going to have to make big plays to win this game.
If the Seminoles can keep the ball out of the end zone, it could be a very close game.
4.
This is a matchup Alabama fans should be excited about.
Florida is coming off a loss to Notre Dame, and has won two in three seasons.
The Gators are ranked first in the country in scoring offense, and is in the top 10 nationally in rushing defense (105.6 yards per contest).
The Seminole defense has given up just 15.5 points per game over its last four.
Florida’s defense has been outstanding in those two games.
5.
Alabama can play some of its best defense in years, and this game could be one of its biggest.
The Tide has allowed just 3.9 yards per play in each of its first two games against Florida State.
