The rivalry between Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Alabama (UA) is a longstanding and intense one, with both schools boasting rich athletic traditions and a strong sense of school spirit. Located in different parts of the country, FSU in Tallahassee, Florida, and UA in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, these two institutions have developed a competitive dynamic that spans multiple sports, but is perhaps most notable in football.
Football Rivalry
The football rivalry between FSU and Alabama is particularly noteworthy, with both teams having experienced significant success in the sport. The Seminoles of FSU and the Crimson Tide of Alabama have clashed on several occasions, often with national championship implications on the line. One of the most memorable matchups between the two schools took place in 2007, when the fifth-ranked FSU Seminoles hosted the 22nd-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide at Doak Campbell Stadium. The game was a closely contested affair, with Alabama ultimately emerging victorious by a score of 34-28.
Recent Matchups
In more recent years, the rivalry between FSU and Alabama has continued to intensify, with the two teams facing off in several high-profile matchups. In 2017, the top-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the third-ranked FSU Seminoles by a score of 24-7 in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. This game marked the first meeting between the two schools since 2007 and was widely regarded as one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the college football season.
| Year | Location | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Doak Campbell Stadium | Alabama 34, FSU 28 |
| 2017 | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Alabama 24, FSU 7 |
Basketball Rivalry
While the football rivalry between FSU and Alabama may be more well-known, the two schools also have a competitive basketball rivalry. The FSU Seminoles and Alabama Crimson Tide have faced off on several occasions in recent years, with both teams experiencing varying degrees of success. In 2020, the FSU Seminoles defeated the Alabama Crimson Tide by a score of 77-67 in a matchup at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee, Florida.
Notable Players
Both FSU and Alabama have produced a number of notable basketball players over the years, including Trent Forrest and Mfiondu Kabengele for the Seminoles, and Kira Lewis Jr. and John Petty Jr. for the Crimson Tide. These players have helped to elevate their respective programs and contribute to the growing rivalry between the two schools.
- Trent Forrest: A point guard who played for FSU from 2016 to 2020 and was known for his defensive prowess and ability to score from the perimeter.
- Mfiondu Kabengele: A power forward who played for FSU from 2016 to 2019 and was a key contributor to the team's success during his time in Tallahassee.
- Kira Lewis Jr.: A point guard who played for Alabama from 2018 to 2020 and was one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) during his time with the Crimson Tide.
- John Petty Jr.: A shooting guard who played for Alabama from 2017 to 2021 and was a four-year starter for the Crimson Tide.
What is the history of the football rivalry between FSU and Alabama?
+The football rivalry between FSU and Alabama dates back to 1965, when the two teams first met on the gridiron. Since then, they have faced off on several occasions, often with significant implications for the national championship. The rivalry has been marked by several close and competitive games, including the 2007 matchup in which Alabama defeated FSU by a score of 34-28.
Who are some notable basketball players from FSU and Alabama?
+Some notable basketball players from FSU include Trent Forrest, Mfiondu Kabengele, and Devin Vassell, while Alabama has produced players such as Kira Lewis Jr., John Petty Jr., and Herbert Jones. These players have helped to elevate their respective programs and contribute to the growing rivalry between the two schools.
In conclusion, the rivalry between FSU and Alabama is a multifaceted one that spans multiple sports, but is perhaps most notable in football and basketball. With both schools boasting rich athletic traditions and a strong sense of school spirit, the competition between them is sure to continue for years to come. As the two programs continue to grow and evolve, fans can expect to see even more exciting matchups and intense rivalries in the future.
