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Jones’ Fast Start Will Be Key To Slow Alabama’s Aerial Attack
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- Jones’ Fast Start Will Be Key To Slow Alabama’s Aerial Attack
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Florida State Seminoles cornerback Quindarrius Jones has only needed two games to make his presence felt in 2026.
Now comes a considerably different challenge.
Jones and the Seminoles travel to Tuscaloosa on Saturday for a rematch against No. 10 Alabama , and the senior corner enters the matchup as one of Florida State 's most productive defensive playmakers.
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The 6-foot-2, 187-pound Jones has accounted for two of FSU's five takeaways. His first career interception came on New Mexico State's opening drive before he forced and recovered a fumble on SMU 's opening possession.
Jones is one of only two players nationally with an interception, forced fumble and fumble recovery this season. FSU's five takeaways lead the ACC and rank ninth nationally, while the four forced against SMU were the Seminoles' most in a game since 2022.
The timing might be as impressive as the production with both takeaways came on the opponent's opening drive. Jones has helped FSU immediately flip possession in consecutive games.
Jones has played 89 defensive snaps with 54 coming in coverage. He carries a 74.8 overall defensive grade, the fourth-highest among FSU defenders who have played at least 50 snaps, but his coverage grade sits at 62.6.
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Opponents have completed only three of seven targets against Jones, but those three receptions have produced 89 yards. The overwhelming majority came on a 79-yard touchdown against SMU.
That one play turned what otherwise would have been an excellent coverage start into a stat line that looks much different.
Jones has allowed just 10 receiving yards on the other six passes thrown his way.
That makes Saturday particularly intriguing because explosive plays are something FSU can ill afford against Alabama.
Alabama Brings a Different Challenge
Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell enters Saturday with 444 passing yards through two games, and the Crimson Tide have multiple receivers capable of testing FSU vertically.
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Alabama has completed 35 of 48 receiver targets for 448 yards, with four different players already having at least 40 receiving yards.
Ryan Coleman-Williams leads the way.
The receiver formerly known as Ryan Williams has nine receptions on 15 targets for 173 yards, averaging 19.2 yards per reception. His 173 yards are nearly double the total of Alabama's next-leading receiver. He has also accounted for 70 yards after the catch.
Lotzeir Brooks has seven catches for 77 yards, while Derek Meadows has caught three of four targets for 44 yards. Marshall Pritchett has also contributed three catches for 27 yards.
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Coleman-Williams, however, is the matchup that could put Jones under the microscope.
Alabama moves its star receiver around, so Jones won't necessarily draw him on every snap. PFF has charted Coleman-Williams with 58 of his 69 receiving snaps aligned wide, making opportunities for the two to see each other likely.
It would also provide Jones an opportunity for redemption.
Alabama targeted him heavily in last season's 31-17 FSU win. Jones finished with a tackle for loss and pass breakup, but received a 42.3 overall grade in the game.
A year later, Jones enters the rematch in a much different position.
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He has already demonstrated his ability to take the football away. He has also experienced what happens when one explosive play gets behind him.
Against Coleman-Williams and Alabama, avoiding the latter while continuing to produce the former could be one of the biggest keys to FSU's defense Saturday afternoon.
