The college football world is eagerly anticipating the opening weekend showdown in Atlanta between Alabama and Florida State. In what could be the first opening season contest between the No. 1 and the No. 2-ranked teams in the nation, excitement is nearly universally high for the game.

Don’t try and sell that to Florida State offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, though. The sophomore guard is not only at ease heading into the matchup, he believes he faces a tougher defensive line in practice every day in Tallahassee then he’ll see in Atlanta.

Check out the comments Dickerson had for Alabama when discussing the upcoming game with Garry Smits of The Florida Times-Union.

“I think, honestly, we probably have a better defensive line than they have. I’m competing against them every day for the next month. I’m not terribly concerned about Alabama. Alabama’s one game. We have Miami [two weeks later], always a good game, then N.C. State, which has a great defense. We have a whole series of games. Alabama is not the only one I’m worried about.”

Considering the Alabama coaching staff has gone to the lengths of creating mock headlines in the past to motivate their players, that obviously won’t be necessary heading into the game against Florida State.

Will Dickerson regret making the bold statements, or will he back them up come Saturday, Sept. 2?