It is no secret that at times in the past, Gus Malzahn offenses have given the Alabama Crimson Tide defense trouble at times.
Largely coming during his time at Auburn, Malzahn’s offense has been a difficult one to contain at times across the past decade, and is one that Alabama will see once again this Saturday afternoon when the Crimson Tide open the season at Florida State.
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The Seminoles new offensive coordinator, Malzahn takes over a Florida State offense that was one of the worst in FBS a year ago, averaging only 15.4 points per game to rank No. 131 nationally out of 134 teams. Florida State this season is set to look significantly different on that side of the ball though, largely due to numerous transfer portal additions.
When looking at the Seminoles offensively as well, Florida State could be particularly strong when running the ball this season, a position room that features former Alabama running back Roydell Williams.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack also recently commented on the Florida State ground game during his press conference Monday, in particular how the Crimson Tide will game plan for Williams and the Seminoles.
“Obviously, I don’t know Roydell personally,” Wommack said. “The players know him and think highly of him, as well as you look at a number of their running backs that I think they’re excited about. They’ve got a number of guys that have had experience, be it there, or at other places that came via the transfer portal. Young guy, I think that they’re pretty excited about out of the backfield as well.”
“Really, they present a number of challenges. Gus always has, Mike (Norvell) always has, in their offensive schemes. They present a number of challenges to you formationally. Motions, quarterback run, one-plus element, and then their ability to go tempo with their run game presents a number of challenges for us. Those are things that we’ve been working and preparing for. Looking forward to putting the ball down and letting our guys go play.”
Alongside the former Alabama transfer, who is Florida State’s returning leader rusher despite an injury-shortened season, the Seminoles have also added a notable name via the portal in former Oklahoma back Gavin Sawchuk.
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The Seminoles also return Jaylin Lucas, who saw limited action a year ago, and have a talented true freshman in Ousmane Kromah.
Alabama vs. Florida State is set to begin Saturday, Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC. The game will be played from Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
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This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Alabama’s Kane Wommack speaks on facing Gus Malzahn offense in Week 1
