Danny Kanell pessimistic about Florida State’s chances vs. Alabama: ‘I don’t see how (they) keep it competitive’
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Danny Kanell isn’t shy about going to bat for Florida State whenever possible. But even his optimism for his alma mater has a limit.
Prior to the season, Kanell said that the “vibes” around the Seminoles program were “as bad as I’ve seen them in the last decade.” He added that the Noles were a “middle of the pack” ACC team and that fans were ready to turn the page on the Mike Norvell era.
Now, as FSU heads into a Week 3 game at Alabama, Kanell isn’t so sure Norvell’s team will spring an upset on the road and make it back-to-back wins against the Crimson Tide.
“You’re underestimating the heart of a warrior, the Seminole spirit that comes out every time Florida State takes the field, and it’s never that easy,” Kanell said on the Crain & Cone podcast. “You know what people thought last week? They thought Oklahoma, there’s no way Michigan can keep that competitive. Oklahoma showed up; all of a sudden, we’re looking at a Michigan victory. But sometimes I think it is that easy.”
Kanell mentioned Duce Robinson, who has underperformed through two games in 2026. After going for over 1,000 yards in 2025 in his first year with the Noles after transferring from USC, Robinson has just five catches for 75 yards. Ashton Daniels, who transferred from Auburn in the offseason, “hasn’t been special” so far in Tallahassee, Kanell added.
“I don’t see how Florida State keeps this competitive,” he said. “The Seminole spirit doesn’t exist because I think they all know they’re looking at a new coach next year. It is not looking good for Florida State.”
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
