The first of six College Football Playoff rankings will be revealed on Oct. 31, but the 13 members of the selection committee shouldn't have to wait that long to determine who to take seriously. No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 3 Florida State on Saturday in Atlanta will answer that.
"It really tells you, regardless of the result, where your team is, legitimately," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
It's the first time since the AP preseason poll began in 1950 that the No. 1 team is facing a top-three opponent on opening weekend.