Fisher expects hype for opener

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher knows the hype surrounding his team’s season opener against Alabama in Atlanta is only going to grow with each passing week until kickoff.

The Seminoles and the Crimson Tide could be the first Nos. 1 and 2 teams to meet in an opener in college football history if preseason rankings later this month rank both teams at the top.

While Alabama may be the favorite in the highly anticipated matchup on Sept. 2, Fisher is not selling his team short either.

“They got to play us, too,” Fisher said of Alabama on Sunday during the team’s media day. “At the same time, we have respect for them.”

The game will be Fisher’s first as a head coach against close friend and former boss Nick Saban.

“Everybody wants to see the best play the best. Right now, we’re both considered the best,” Fisher said. “I think it’s a great opportunity. It’s also a great challenge.”

The Seminoles will return to practice today after a day off Monday.

FSU junior DE Josh Sweat did not practice on Sunday and was seen riding a stationary bike on the sidelines and doing other workouts while Jalen Willkerson took his spot in the lineup. Five-star freshman DE Joshua Kaindoh also was rehabbing on the sidelines from a minor injury but looks like he’s close to returning to action.

Next game: FSU vs. Alabama (Atlanta), Sept. 2, 8 p.m., ABC

Safid Deen