Florida State Football: Previewing the Oklahoma Game

The game of the year is finally upon us! 

Seminole Nation has awaited this game since last season, when they were drubbed 47-17. Landry Jones, Ryan Broyles, Kenny Stills, the list goes on and on for the top ranked Boomer Sooners. 

Florida State has used this game as a ton of motivation during the entire offseason, and what a way it is to get back on top of college football.

Knocking off the top ranked Sooners in front of a nationally televised audience is one thing, but proving to your team, fans and to every single team in the nation that you mean business is another.

The 'Noles have not been able to capitalize on their opportunities, and what better way to cash in on a once in a lifetime game in front of College Gameday and millions of viewers.

Facts to Remember

Oklahoma's last nine losses have all been either on the road or at neutral stadiums. Florida State is 10-12 all time in front of College Gameday. Oklahoma is 17-8 all time in front of the crew. However, FSU has only had one of these games since the 2007 season, whereas Oklahoma has had nine. 

Oklahoma dominated last season 47-17 by scoring touchdowns on their first four possessions. Florida State's EJ Manuel threw a touchdown pass on the final play of the game last season, so the score did not truly indicate how dominating of a performance it was.

FSU is also just 5-12 in its last 17 games against top 10 squads. Losing to Oklahoma by 30 (last year) and Florida by 27 (2009) does not make things any easier.

One vital note is that the Sooners have never been to Doak, and this game should be quite the battle.

X-Factor: Brandon Jenkins

How does one put a stop to Landry Jones and the high-powered Boomer Sooner offense? Throw in some pressure and even more pressure.

There are a bevy of options that I could choose as my x-factor for the game, but the Seminoles have no chance to win this game if they cannot force Jones into making a few errant throws.

That will only happen if the front four can put pressure and interrupt the rhythm that Jones has with his receivers.

If not, then Jones will wheel and deal like it did last season. This is the best corps in America for a reason. Their depth is filthy and the talent does not drop off at all. They will be great years since they even have depth behind Landry Jones at quarterback. This offense has not been the problem in Norman.

If there have been any sort of issues, it has been when things break down up front the offense falls apart when the pace of things pick up. 

When Oklahoma Runs the Ball

Oklahoma is averaging 246 yards per game (just one game), which ranks 19th in the nation. Florida State has allowed just 120 yards in two games  (60th YPG), which ranks 16th best in America.

The Sooners have an array of backs with Dominique Whaley, who is a former walk-on just a few months ago. Roy Finch was expected to be their stud in the backfield, and Brennan Clay is not too shabby, either. Trey Millard is among the top fullbacks in the country.

Florida State must win the battle up front and allow their linebackers to roam sideline to sideline. If the Sooners get a running game going, then it is goodnight, sweetheart.

Nigel Bradham, Christian Jones, Vince Williams, Jeff Luc and Telvin Smith must be ready to lay the lumber and play gap oriented football. FSU may only have a linebacker or two on the field for half the game since OU lines up with four/five receivers most of the time.

The front four of FSU is one of the best of the nation, but if they want to be the best, they will need to prove it to 84,000 strong as well as the millions watching. Jacobbi McDaniel, Anthony McCloud, Tank Caradine, Bjoern Werner and Everette Dawkins must wreak havoc against the Sooners line.

Donald Stephenson, Gabe Ikard, Tyler Evans, Daryl Williams and Ben Habern are a solid but not unmovable wall. Oklahoma ran 100 plays on the dot against Tulsa, which is a boatload. They should run about 25 times or so depending on the outcome of the game obviously.

Regardless, the 'Noles should win this battle up front with All-American defensive end Brandon Jenkins going bonkers.  

MODERATE EDGE: FLORIDA STATE 

When Oklahoma Passes the Ball

Mark Stoops against Josh Heupel and Jay Norvell will be the best chess match of the entire season arguably. Stoops may throw everything including the kitchen sink at Landry Jones, attempting to confuse him with multiple looks. LaMarcus Joyner could play a large role off the edge on safety blitzes.  

Overall, Oklahoma is loaded more than any team in the nation thanks to several receivers. In fact, they can use two and even three different tight ends on the field in passing downs. OU has as many as 10 options in the passing game with all of their different personnel packages. Talk about preparing for a huge exam.

Florida State, on the other hand, has several corners who can play bump and run because of how athletic they are. The safeties in LaMarcus Joyner, Terrence Parks and Nick Moody will have large roles because of the Sooners threat to hit the home run.

Note: Oklahoma only threw for one TD against Tulsa while rushing for five! 

It is imperative for the 'Noles to be aware at all times of the down and distance, who is lined up as well as where they are lined up.

Oklahoma tried a diamond package towards the goal line against Tulsa, which isolated Ryan Broyles at the top of the field in single coverage. In that instance, Greg Reid, Michael Harris or Xavier Rhodes must be on their toes.

The Sooners and Seminoles have arguably the most exciting matchup we may witness all season long. There are future pros all over the field, and the young talent will be amazing to watch.

It should truly be a blessing to watch these two great programs compete with such superstar talent. Whoever gets the slightest of edges here should win the ball game.

EDGE: EVEN 

When Florida State Runs the Ball

The loss of Travis Lewis may be tough for some fans, but most understand just how loaded this LB corp is in Norman. Corey Nelson was the best defensive player the entire spring for the Sooners.

Tony Jefferson and Tom Wort among several backups will be effective against a solid Seminoles ground game, though the numbers don't exactly back that theory up.

FSU has been leaning on the passing a bit more than some expected. Was this in order to catch Oklahoma off guard or are the 'Noles really not going to line up and run it 30 times this weekend?

If they do, it will be because they enjoyed a few changes they made. Bryan Stork is the new full-time starter at center with Jacob Fahrenkrug moving over to guard with David Spurlock.

Andrew Datko and Zebrie Sanders will remain excellent tackles, especially in the passing game. EJ Manuel has been prone to tucking it and running the rock when things break down every blue moon. That will play a big part with his huge frame.

Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Devonta Freeman will all tote the rock, with all splitting some time depending on the field position. Lonnie Pryor has stepped up admirable in primetime night games against Miami and South Carolina. His role could expand quite a bit.

Florida State needs to improve upon its 78th national ranking of averaging just 131 yards a game, unless Manuel is torching the Sooners secondary, FSU must be able to run effectively while controlling the clock (keep Jones on the sidelines).

The 'Noles might be lucky WITHOUT Travis Lewis playing, but FSU must break a few longer runs to have success.

SLIGHT EDGE: EVEN

When Florida State Passes the Ball

EJ Manuel has been able to take care of the ball much better this season, with six TDs and only two INTs. Landry Jones has thrown for 65 career TDs with 26 INTs.

Manuel has a ton of reliable options just like Oklahoma, though there is no All-American option running downfield. Bert Reed has caught three TD passes, which is remarkable since he has just last season.

The offensive line may not be as good as last season in opening holes, but the pass protection has been suburb. As long as EJ gets rid of the ball a second sooner, things would have to be considered great thus far in the season.

Willie Haulstead expects to play despite missing the past two games due to concussion symptoms after taking a lick from LaMarcus Joyner in practice. He is a tall target at 6'5", as is Rodney Smith at 6'6". They both should be vital in the redzone against the "sharks" known as the Oklahoma secondary.

Demontre Hurst, Jamell Fleming, Aaron Colvin and Javon Harris will be awaiting the Noles to cross the middle of the field on screens. Jimbo Fisher and OC James Coley must be willing to trust Manuel to hit the deep ball to Rodney Smith down the field for large gains.

That is the biggest X-factor in this ball game. Smith and Haulstead must be able to shed defenders unless, of course, they are in the endzone.

SLIGHT EDGE: OKLAHOMA 

Why Oklahoma Can Win

They are the top ranked team in America for a reason. They are balanced with an underrated ground game that features a former walk-on in Dominique Whaley, and their playmakers down the field are incredible at getting yards after the catch.

Their quick-paced tempo offensively has not been stopped before because they never seem to turn the ball over or have any pressure put on them.

The defense is extremely quick with a ball-hawking secondary that can lay the lumber while also creating the big turnover. They are a scary-good team that many expect to win the BCS National Championship this season.

Can Landry Jones win a big game on the road like he did against Oklahoma State if he continuess to turn the ball over?

Why Florida State Can Win

They may be the only team on Oklahoma's schedule that could hold the Sooners under 35 points.

FSU has arguably the best defensive line in the nation and one of the more athletic secondary's as well.

If there are a group of defensive backs who can cover the Sooners, it is this loaded group in Tallahassee. However, one facet and difference of the game I did not talk about was the special teams.

This single handily could give the Seminoles a huge edge with PK Dustin Hopkins, P Shaun Powell and PR/KR Greg Reid.

Reid has circled this game on his calender since the 47-17 throttle they took last season in Norman. A fellow Sooner fan put clips of Reid and his secondary getting torched on youtube which eventually received over 10,000 views.

Florida State could care less how many millions are watching them Saturday night as long as their 82,300 standing fans are deafening. 

Drama's Prediction

In midst of Bobby Bowden announcing to the world that he had prostate cancer starting in 2007, this week is hopeful of great news this weekend if the Seminoles can knock off their first top five opponent since 2007 (No. 2 BC). 

Let's be honest, this is the game of the season for both teams and for the landscape of college football! Sure, I could say the SEC Championship or possibly Alabama-LSU, but this game has the implications.

Plus, LSU-Alabama is not bigger because the winner could still lose a month later in Atlanta and get left out of a BCS Bowl, let alone the BCS National Championship Game.

This game has so many exciting match-ups that I really don't know how I will react once kick-off is upon us. Landry Jones and his weapons against the 'Noles secondary is single handily the most exciting part of the game. There are nearly a dozen future Sunday players just in that breakdown.

Can either team run the ball? Will Mark Stoops blitz the hell out of Jones? Is Brandon Jenkins the best pass rusher in America? Will Oklahoma's special teams haunt them?

More importantly, is Florida State officially back and can they regain national relevancy by knocking off the top team in the nation?

The most anticipated game in Doak Campbell Stadium since the early 2000s may just live up the hype as the biggest game College Gameday has been apart of in a long time!

I feel that FSU is going to match up well on the perimeter, which will make them able to bring constant pressure from everywhere. If this was an Alabama or an LSU, I would probably lean towards the SEC, but because Florida State's strength is against the pass, it gives them a great chance pulling off the miraculous upset.  

FLORIDA STATE 30, OKLAHOMA 27 (OVERTIME)