Alabama football head coach Nick Saban wants his program to have a competitive schedule.

The Crimson Tide is set to play Florida State in 2017 inside the Atlanta Falcons new stadium, and according to Jerry Hinnen of CBS Sports, Alabama looks to add Fresno State to its list.

Alabama announced Thursday that it would host a matchup against Fresno State on Sept. 9, 2017. It would be the first time that the Crimson Tide and the Bulldogs would face each other, and the second time that Alabama has played against an opponent from the Mountain West Conference. It defeated Colorado State in 2013, by a score of 31-6 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Fresno State isn’t a stranger against the Southeastern Conference. It’s faced Ole Miss twice, and plans for a third meeting on Sept. 12, 2015. Mississippi won the last two games.

Stephen M. Smith is a staff writer and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine, Pick Six Previews and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.