The top-ranked Oklahoma Sooners face their first real test of the season when they take on the Florida State Seminoles on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Doak S. Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, Florida.
The Sooners are coming off a bye week after their dominating performance against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, whom they defeated 47-14, in week one.
The fifth-ranked Seminoles are undefeated this season under second-year head coach Jimbo Fisher with two impressive victories at home over Louisiana-Monroe, 34-0, and Charleston Southern, 62-10.
However, Florida State has yet to square off against a team the caliber of the Sooners, who manhandled the Seminoles 47-17 last season in Norman, Okla. The Sooners’ offense embarrassed the Seminoles’ defense – and FSU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops – amassing 487 yards of total offense, including 93 yards rushing and 394 yards passing.
"I felt the entire week that it would be a miserable experience, but after the game I was sure of it,” OU head football coach Bob Stoops says. “I've never been so conflicted and miserable about winning a game. It's not what you want to do. You are playing your brother for a championship, one of them is going to win and the other didn't but played well. If it isn't that case than you spend your life fighting for your brother. Your brothers are always on your team; you are helping each other out and sticking up for each other. Beating each other is not what you want. It's just not natural."
Florida State’s defense, though, is much improved from a year ago. Led by junior defensive end Brandon Jenkins, the Seminoles’ defense ranks third in total defense, allowing an average of only 137.5 yards of total offense per game.
In addition, the Seminoles have the fifth-ranked passing defense, allowing an average of only 77.5 yards of passing offense per game.
Preventing Jenkins, a 2011 preseason All-American team selection, from putting pressure on Landry Jones will be the key to putting points on the board for Oklahoma.
Replacing first-round draft pick Christian Ponder is junior quarterback E.J. Manuel who, like Tulsa’s G.J. Kinne, has the ability to make plays in the running game as well as in the passing game. So far this season, Manuel has completed 46 of 69 passes for 581 yards and six touchdowns.
"I see a lot fast guys and big guys in their front, especially on defense, their front four has always looked really good,” Stoops says. “I have always thought they've had excellent athletes. You see a lot of good strong pocket passing from EJ Manuel, which was similar to Christian Ponder as well, but what you see is a bigger guy with more dimensions that can see the field and make something happen and the added dimension of the quarterback running game.
This week’s match-up between Oklahoma and Florida State is easily one of the most anticipated games of the 2011 season and, arguably, Stoops’ coaching career.
"That can be debated,” Stoops says. “There have been good games already. For us it's the second game and for them it's their third. It's obviously a big game for us too. We both want to remain in contention to be a champion. This is what you have to do. Hopefully someone gives you credit for winning these type of games. If all things are equal than at the end of the season and you've played a tougher schedule, you will get the nod. Otherwise why play those games. If there are ties it seems logical for the BCS to consider the tougher schedules. Our fans love these games, and it's part of giving them some excitement too."
The game kicks off at 7 p.m.
Series History
Games Played: 6
Series Record: OU leads 5-1
Last Meeting: 47-17, OU on 9/11/2010
First Meeting: 36-19, FSU on 1/2/1964
PREDICTION: FSU 28, OU 24
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