Fisher: Facing Saban adds to FSU-Alabama game

As if seeing Florida State face off against Alabama wasn’t enough to get fans of both programs excited, getting to watch Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher play chess against Tides coach Nick Saban just increases the lure.

“To be able to go against someone who you have a ton of respect for in Nick and the program in which they have just adds to it,” said Fisher.

In 2017, Florida State will take on Alabama in both teams’ season opener in a game that will be played in Atlanta inside the new home of the Falcons, which is scheduled to open that same year.

FSU, the 2013 national champions, and Alabama, the 2012 title winners, have been two of college football’s top programs for some time now and their 2017 matchup figures to be a stellar one.

“We’ve been two of the most consistent programs in the country the last few years,” Fisher said. “It’s a great kickoff and it’s great for the game of college football.”

Under Saban, Alabama has won three national titles in the past six seasons, while FSU has lost only three games in the last three years.

The two coaches have a history together, as Fisher served as Saban’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2000-04 at LSU. They have never faced each other before as head coaches.

Fisher said the big game atmosphere will benefit his program.

“It’s the best preparation you have for going into a playoff game or a national championship or major bowl game,” Fisher said. “It’s a major game, the hype, that atmosphere and environment. And I think it’s good for college football.”

(h/t Palm Beach Post)