Jimbo Fisher says offseason 'ramped up' by opener against Ole Miss

The importance of a strong non-conference schedule is paramount if your program hopes to make the College Football Playoff, and Florida State knows just that.

Jimbo Fisher and company will open the season against Ole Miss, something that already has the Seminoles fired up.

"I think they get your attention very quickly," Fisher said at ACC media day. "Just like a couple years ago, we opened up with Oklahoma State coming out of the gate. Opened up a couple years ago with Pitt up in Pittsburgh. Anytime you have a big-time opponent like that, your offseason is ramped up. It's a natural instinct."

The Rebels shocked Alabama last season in Tuscaloosa, so Florida State will have to be prepared if they hope to avoid starting the season in a hole.

A win, though, could go a long way in preserving national title hopes. Michigan State had a big early victory a year ago over Oregon, something that helped them into the playoff despite a tough loss to Nebraska later in the season.

Things won't get any easier for the start of the 2017 campaign, as the Seminoles will open with the Crimson Tide.