Alabama Football: 5 Biggest Moments From Alabama’s 2017 Season
By Ronald Moody
5. Saban vs. Fisher
Billed as the Game of the Century, this season opener did not disappoint. The game pitted number one Alabama versus number three Florida State in the brand spanking new Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The billing featured the Jedi Master Nick Saban against his star pupil, Jimbo Fisher. Both coaches have won championships this decade. The preseason hype mentioned that the loser from this game could still make the playoffs.
The Crimson Tide was entering the contest off a last-second championship game loss to the Clemson Tigers. Florida State had just beat Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines in the Orange Bowl. Two talented sophomore quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts and Deondre Francois, led their respective squads.
Alabama dominated the Seminoles 24-7 with a smothering defense and stellar special teams play.
After losing QB Deondre Francois to injury in the game, FSU limped to an unimpressive season. What should have counted as a strong win for Alabama football was debated for its value. In the end, the CFB Playoff committee appeared to count the Tide win as one over a highly ranked team.