Alabama · SECDaniels tests Alabama’s playoff case with Florida State
The former Auburn quarterback ran for 108 yards against Alabama last season, while Ousmane Kromah could limit the Tide’s options against him.
SEP 17, 2026
Alabama’s start entering the test
Daniels against Alabama last season
Of Auburn’s rushing yards accounted for by Daniels
01 · The NewsDaniels Tests Alabama’s Playoff Case
Florida State quarterback Daniels is set to face Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 19, putting the Crimson Tide’s 2-0 start and early playoff case against the dual-threat quarterback who ran for 108 yards and passed for 259 in last season’s Iron Bowl.
Florida State has not confirmed Daniels as its starter for the 3:30 p.m. ET matchup, but he has carried 24 times and scored two rushing touchdowns through the Seminoles’ first two games. Florida State enters at 1-1, giving it a chance to turn the season with a signature upset.
Daniels accounted for more than 70% of Auburn’s rushing yards against Alabama last season, combining designed runs with scrambles while taking one sack. His longest run covered 20 yards on a fourth-down scramble. The Tide’s interior rush repeatedly gave him room to step up or escape outside.
His passing line was uneven — 18 of 39 for 259 yards, with one touchdown and one interception — but his movement created damage. Most of his completions came underneath, including one caught roughly five yards downfield that became a 66-yard gain. He also threw a 64-yard touchdown after scrambling right and forcing Alabama’s coverage to react to him.
Ousmane Kromah adds the complication Alabama cannot ignore. The Florida State running back is regarded as one of the country’s best, though his availability for Saturday has not been confirmed. His presence could keep Alabama from consistently using a quarterback spy or loading the defense toward Daniels.
Alabama’s pass rush must hold its lanes, while linebackers Caleb Woodson and Luke Metz handle Kromah without losing Daniels on designed runs and scrambles. The Tide has to account for both players; Woodson and Metz will be at the center of that choice.
02 · The StakesWhy It Matters
A loss would also directly damage Alabama’s place in Josh Pate’s preseason playoff bracket, which put the Crimson Tide at No. 10. Alabama beat East Carolina 48-10 and Kentucky 45-17 before facing the Seminoles.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Can Alabama keep Daniels in the pocket?
Watch whether the Tide’s interior rush holds its lanes instead of giving Daniels room to step up or escape outside.
Does Kromah force Alabama to split its attention?
The tell is whether Woodson and Metz can handle Kromah without losing Daniels on designed runs and scrambles.