It doesn't look like there is any doubt for ESPN's Paul Finebaum.
While some people are giving hype to USC and Florida State as potential No. 1 teams for the upcoming season, Finebaum is sticking with Alabama has the likely No. 1 team for the start of 2017.
Finebaum said this on Sportscenter when discussing the Crimson Tide: (via The Spun)
"It will not be a big surprise — Alabama is going to be No. 1 and I don't think it's going to be close," Finebaum said. "The most interesting thing is will Florida State be No. 2. We've never had a 1 vs. 2 matchup in the opening weekend. We always get that in the final game. This could be the first time. Alabama's a 5.5 to 6.5-point favorite and I think that's a very dangerous game."
Related: Odds have emerged for season-opening blockbuster between Alabama and Florida State
Though they lost in the College Football Playoff title game to Clemson, Alabama is still the championship favorite heading into 2017. In all likelihood, Finebaum will be right about that No. 1 ranking when the preseason polls come out in August.
