Florida State vs. Alabama: Remembering the 1974 Thriller Before the Seminoles’ Tuscaloosa Return
Florida State heads to Tuscaloosa today as a significant underdog against No. 10 Alabama, but the Seminoles have already shown that struggling teams can make history at Alabama.
As Florida State prepares to face the Crimson Tide, an unforgettable meeting from Oct. 12, 1974 offers a reminder of just how unpredictable college football can be.
Florida State Nearly Shocked Alabama in 1974
The 1974 Florida State team entered its matchup with Alabama after enduring a difficult stretch. The Seminoles had finished 0-11 the previous season and were riding a 16-game losing streak when they traveled to then-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.
Despite their struggles, Florida State pushed Alabama to the limit.
The Seminoles carried a 7-3 lead into the final minutes, while Alabama struggled to generate much offense. The Crimson Tide finished the game with only 229 total yards and 13 first downs, compared with Florida State's 345 yards and 19 first downs.
Alabama was also without quarterbacks Gary Rutledge and Richard Todd, adding to the challenges facing the Crimson Tide.
Alabama Needed a Late Rally
With just 1:27 remaining, Florida State coach Darrell Mudra made a calculated decision from his own 5-yard line.
Rather than risk a blocked punt, Mudra intentionally surrendered a safety, cutting Florida State's lead to 7-5.
The ensuing free kick gave Alabama an opportunity.
Ron Kuykendall returned the kick to the Florida State 48-yard line, putting the Crimson Tide in position to mount one final drive.
Jack O'Rear then connected with freshman Ozzie Newsome for a crucial 32-yard completion, helping Alabama move into scoring range.
The Crimson Tide eventually escaped with an 8-7 victory, thanks to an intentional safety and Bucky Berrey's 36-yard field goal in the final seconds.
Could History Repeat Itself?
The 1974 matchup remains one of the most remarkable examples of Florida State nearly pulling off an upset in Tuscaloosa.
Now, decades later, the Seminoles return to Alabama under very different circumstances.
Florida State arrives with pressure surrounding the program, while Alabama enters the matchup ranked No. 10 nationally. The Crimson Tide is also expected to be heavily favored.
But the 1974 game provides an important piece of history: being a major underdog does not guarantee an easy afternoon against Florida State.
That Seminoles team entered Tuscaloosa on a 16-game losing streak and still had Alabama fighting until the final seconds.
Florida State vs.
Alabama History Adds Intrigue
The historical connection makes today's matchup even more interesting for college football fans.
Florida State's 1974 team was struggling badly, yet it came within seconds of producing one of the biggest upsets in program history.
Alabama ultimately survived, but the game required a late sequence of plays to turn a 7-3 deficit into an 8-7 victory.
As Florida State prepares to take the field in Tuscaloosa again, Seminole fans will undoubtedly hope their team can produce another unexpected chapter against the Crimson Tide.
One thing is certain: history shows that Alabama cannot afford to overlook Florida State.