College Football Picks Week 3: Oklahoma vs. Florida State

The Florida State Seminoles and the Oklahoma Sooners will clash in a colossal matchup in Tallahassee in Week 3 of the college football season.

The Sooners should provide a much tougher test than the 'Noles have seen so far this season. With lopsided victories over Louisiana-Monroe and Charleston Southern, the Seminoles have yet to face stiff competition this season.

A Seminoles win would allow them to improve on their first AP top five ranking since 2005. In order for that to happen, they will need to topple the top team of the nation.

A Florida State victory would improve the ACC's stock, and would also cement Florida State's place back among the titans of college football.

The Sooners will enter Tallahassee with a big, red target on their backs.

In Week 1, the Sooners defeated Tulsa handily, and had this past weekend off. The week off could go one of two ways. Either more focus, or more lackadaisical.

Fans may remember the Orange Bowl matchup in 2001. The Sooners grabbed a 13-2 victory. With these two offenses, fans can expect more scoring this season. However, do not sleep on the athleticism of both of these defenses.

Both teams are very good on both sides of the ball. How good?

Let's find out with a position-by-position breakdown of Saturday night's blockbuster matchup:

The Quarterbacks

Landry Jones and E.J. Manuel will lead their respective teams into battle in Tallahassee on Saturday night. Both are very good, but very different quarterbacks.

In terms of talent and potential, Manuel may eventually hold the edge. However, this is Jones' second year as the Sooners' starter. The experience will play a huge factor on Saturday's epic primetime stage.

Jones went 35-47 for 375 yards and one touchdown in the Sooners' Week 1 win over Tulsa. This was a solid performance coming off a breakout 2010 season for Jones. Last season, Jones threw for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Prototypical pocket passer. That is Landry Jones. Good size, great accuracy, and the ability to make big throws down the field. Jones does a great job of utilizing his entire stable of weapons on offense. With the Seminoles' defense Saturday night, that will become even more important to Oklahoma's success.

While Manuel may not be the pocket passer Jones is, he is very talented in his own right.

Manuel, junior, has patiently waited behind Christian Ponder for the opportunity to start behind center. This season Manuel has put up 581 passing yards with six touchdowns and two picks against two cupcake teams to begin the season. He has yet to run for a touchdown this season.

Manuel certainly holds the edge in terms of athleticism and versatility. However, Jones is more experienced.

In a game of this magnitude, talent combined with experience gives Oklahoma the advantage at quarterback.

The Running Backs

Week 3's momentous matchup will lack a premier running back for both teams. Florida State and Oklahoma are both still trying to find a dynamic playmaker to tote the rock consistently for their offense.

Each team will most likely hand the ball to at least two different running backs throughout the course of the game on Saturday.

For Florida State, veteran Chris Thompson leads the way in the backfield. Through two games, Thompson has just 54 yards and one touchdown. However, he did run for over 800 yards and six touchdowns last season. His 6.4 yards per carry last season showcases his big-play ability.

Supplementing Thompson will be two freshman, Devonta Freeman and James Wilder Jr.. Both young backs are bruisers, and offset Thompson's shiftiness in the open field. Together, these three give Jimbo Fisher a trio of versatile ball carriers.

Senior Jermaine Thomas will also play a factor. He has scored 18 touchdowns in his Seminoles' career.

The Sooners do not have the privilege of having someone even as experienced as Thompson in the backfield.

Brennan Clay saw very limited time as freshman last season. He has one touchdown so far in his sophomore campaign.

Junior Dominique Whaley has led the Sooners in rushing so far this season with a 131-yard performance against Tulsa. He also had four touchdowns.

Neither team has a takeover presence in the backfield. Both teams will be focused on using the run game enough to keep the defense honest, and open up the passing attack.

Florida State's thunder and lighting trio should be able to do that just a bit better than the Sooners' unproven duo.

The Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The Florida State Seminoles and the Oklahoma Sooners both have great quarterbacks, and an arsenal of receivers talented enough to make both more dangerous.

Taiwan Easterling left the Florida State program to pursue a career in baseball, but that does not leave the cupboard bare for the dual-threat E.J. Manuel.

Bert Reed, Rodney Smith, Rashad Greene, and Greg Dent are all capable and ready to contribute to the Seminoles' passing attack this season.

Through the first two weeks Smith leads the way with 11 receptions, but he only has one touchdown. Experienced senior Bert Reed has pulled in three touchdowns through the first two weeks. Reed's quickness and ability to work the middle is a perfect compliment to Smith's 6'6'' frame.

An x-factor could be Greene. The true freshman has pulled in three touchdowns early in his career, and seems to be developing a feel for the system very quickly.

The Sooners have several contributors to the pass game.

Leading the way is Ryan Broyles. Last season Broyles racked up 131 catches and 14 touchdowns. He has over 3,500 yards receiving in his career, and 36 touchdowns.

Broyles is complimented by sophomore Trey Franks. Franks has seven catches this season. He is yet to haul in a touchdown.

Neither team has a major contributor at tight end. Beau Reliford has just two catches this season for the Seminoles. Sooners' tight end James Hanna has two catches as well.

With depth at receiver, tight ends become less important. However, Hanna has been successful in the past and may need to be again Saturday if Broyles and company cannot separate from the excellent Florida State secondary.

The Offensive Lines

Offensively, the Seminoles and the Sooners are very evenly matched at every skill position. However, the Sooners' offensive line could give Bob Stoops' boys an advantage Saturday night.

Oklahoma returns every contributor from the 2010 offensive line besides tackle Eric Mensik.

Center Ben Habern returns to lead the Sooners' charge in the middle. This is his third season as a starter, and he should provide great veteran leadership as the leader of the offensive line.

Daryl Williams and Donald Stephenson are the tackles for Oklahoma. They are also the weakest part of Oklahoma's front five. With Florida State's Brandon Jenkins rushing the quarterback, this could be a reason for concern in Week 3.

Tyler Evans and Gabe Ikard are both very good offensive guards, and will anchor the middle along with Habern. This will be very important as Florida State looks to get penetration in the trenches.

For Florida State, the offensive line is a different story. Ryan McMahon and Rodney Hudson were both four-year starters, and both have since graduated. Replacing their experience and overall talent is not an easy task.

The Seminoles do have the luxury of one Andrew Datko. He is an excellent pass protector at left tackle. Injuries have been a problem in the past, but Datko is as good as it gets when it comes to protecting the blind side.

David Spurlock and Zebrie Sanders give the Seminoles two other experienced lineman, but neither are as experienced as the two stud blockers from last season.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, Jacob Fahrenkrug and Bryan Stork have changed positions up front. Stork will see time at center, while Fahrenkrug will move over to left guard Saturday night.

Whether these changes help or hurt chemistry up front for the 'Noles is yet to be determined. However, changes this early in the season is a sign of unrest on a very pivotal unit.

The Defensive Lines

Florida State and Oklahoma both have dynamic playmakers at defensive end. How well they get penetration into the pocket will play a huge role in which way this game swings.

Florida State has Brandon Jenkins. Jenkins' 14 sacks last season are an obvious asset to any defense, especially in a matchup against an excellent Sooners' offensive line.

Jenkins is a dynamic pass rusher. He uses both his strength and his speed, along with a variety of moves, to terrorize opposing quarterbacks.

Opposite Jenkins will be Bjoern Werner. Werner is a sophomore, but his high motor earned him MVP of Florida State's spring. Tank Carradine and Dan Hicks will also see time Saturday night. Carradine is an impact junior college transfer, and Hicks played as Jenkins' backup last season.

Anthony McCloud and Jacobi McDaniel give the Seminoles a pair of space eaters in the middle. How well they matchup with Oklahoma's excellent interior offensive line could play a major factor in this game's outcome.

Oklahoma has no shortage of talent up front themselves.

Frank Alexander has eight sacks along with 39 tackles last season, and he will look to exploit the Seminoles' offensive line early and often. Opposite Alexander is Ronnell Lewis. Lewis is undersized, but his speed and athleticism make him a very dangerous threat.

Jamarkus McFarland and Stacy McGee will attempt to hold down the fort in the middle. Neither are traditional run stuffers in the middle, but both are athletic and have the speed to beat slower offensive lineman.

Bottom line, both defensive lines are very good. However, the star power of Jenkins gives the Seminoles the slightest edge.

The Linebackers

According to espn.com, Oklahoma star linebacker Travis Lewis will not play Saturday night. This is not necessarily a surprise, but it does make the Seminoles and Sooners' linebacking units more even.

Lewis led the Sooners' defense in tackles last season, and was a consistent presence in both run and pass defense. His sideline-to-sideline ability will be sorely missed against the Seminoles' athletic offense.

Despite not having Lewis, the cupboard is not bare for Bob Stoops and Oklahoma.

Tom Wort continues to improve. He had 4.5 sacks last season, and continues to hone his craft in the middle. Wort is undersized, but he has good speed and solid instincts. Jayden Bird is much bigger than Wort, and also has experience as a substitute in the middle.

Corey Nelson is the x-factor for the Sooners' defense. He was very impressive in the spring, and has playmaking ability comparable to injured star Lewis. Keep an eye on Nelson when he steps on the field.

The Seminoles also boast a very solid linebacker unit.

Senior Nigel Bradham has led the Seminoles in tackles in each of the last two seasons. Bradham plays the "will" linebacker for the Seminoles. This is a perfect fit. Bradham has the freedom to use his speed, but also is in position to make tackles in the middle.

Christian Jones plays the "sam" linebacker for the 'Noles. He also may have the most potential out any linebacker playing on Saturday night.

Jones is lanky and athletic. As a true freshman last season he saw decent playing time. Big things are expected out of this dynamic sophomore. What better time to show your potential than against the nation's top team?

In the middle, Vince Williams is back making tackles for the 'Noles. His brother, Karlos Williams, will also be seeing time as a safety in the Seminoles' secondary.

Vince Williams lacks athleticism. However, his size and toughness allow him to make plays in the midddle of the field while Bradham and Jones chase down ballcarriers.

Each team's linebackers are well above average. However, advantage Seminoles without Lewis patrolling for the Sooners.

The Secondaries

The defensive lines were very even for each team. Same goes for the linebackers. Guess what? Oklahom's and Florida State's secondaries are also very evenly matched.

However, a slight edge once again goes to Jimbo Fisher's squad.

The Seminoles possess one of the top cornerback tandems in the entire country. Xavier Rhodes uses his 6'2'' frame to defend the boundary as well as anyone. He was a freshman All-American last season.

Greg Reid starts opposite Rhodes. He is much smaller, 5'8'', but he is extremely dynamic. Reid does need to be more consistent. He takes to many risks in favor of the big play. His 14 pass deflections led the ACC last season.

Lamarcus Joyner is an exceptional athlete at strong safety. He entered Florida State as a highly-touted cornerback prospect. Joyner's ability to transition to safety has improved Florida State's pass coverage without forcing Reid or Rhodes to share snaps with anyone.

Nick Moody is the man at free safety for the Seminoles. Terrance Parks will see time as well. Moody is not a threat in pass coverage, but he is a thumper in run support. Receivers will think twice if they see Moody coming.

The Sooners also have playmaking ability on the back end of their defense.

Jamell Fleming and Demontre Hurst give the Sooners a pair of playmakers on the outside. Fleming is a versatile playmaker. He was fifth on the team in tackles last season, and also had five interceptions.

Hurst is small, at 5'9'', but he is very strong. He had 50 tackles last season. He plays well in coverage, but has proven to be a major asset in the box to stop the run.

Safety could be a concern for the Sooners. Quinton Carter is gone from last season. Javon Harris has done a fair job of replacing Carter thus far despite his inexperience. Harris will need to play even better on an even bigger stage.

Sam Proctor and Aaron Colvin share time at the other safety spot. Like Harris, both are capable but inexperienced.

The Seminoles have the talent, along with the experience in the secondary. Expect them to give Landry Jones everything he can handle.

Special Teams

A game between two evenly matched teams could come down to the kicking, punting, or return game. Florida State and Oklahoma both have game changers in at least one of these areas.

Oklahoma has Jimmy Stevens performing plackicking duties. He does not have a huge leg, but he is very reliable from anywhere inside the 30-yard line. He went 19-23 last season, and is 1-1 so far this season.

Patrick O'Hara will also kick for the Sooners. He will see duty on long-range kicks because of his strong leg.

Tress Way handles punting duties for the Sooners. He is a Ray Guy Award candidate, and has the ability to pin a team deep anytime he is given the chance.

Returning kicks and punts will be running back Brennan Clay and receiver Ryan Broyles. Both are capable, and Broyles is very experienced returning punts.

The Seminoles main weapon on special teams lies in the return game. Senior Greg Reid is as good as it gets at the college level this season. He can break containment on the drop of a hat. The Sooners did give up four return touchdowns last season.

Kicking for the Seminoles is Dustin Hopkins. He is 4-4 this season, but he has not kicked anything outside of 30 yards.

Shawn Powell handles punting duties for Jimbo Fisher. He is averaging just over 42 yards per punt so far this season.

Oklahoma holds a definite advantage in the kicking and punting department. However, Reid is as dangerous as anyone the Sooners will see this season.

One special teams error could decide this game.

Conclusion and Prediction

It should be obvious by now. Saturday night's matchup is very even and chocked full of talent all over the field.

This game will be the first real test for two BCS championship contenders this season. Fans and coaches will learn a lot about their respective teams.

In an even matchup, little things are often seen as the difference in the outcome. Whether it's coaching, special teams, or penalties, the smallest aspect of the game can swing a huge game. One way or the other.

However, fans can expect the battle between Landry Jones and E.J. Manuel to determine Saturday's outcome.

Jones has the arm, experience, offensive line, and Ryan Broyles.

On the other hand, Manuel has an excellent defense to lean on, huge potential, and a versatile array of weapons to choose from on offense.

Whether Manuel can take the next step in becoming an elite college quarterback will determine if the Seminoles can pull off the upset.

A win cements the 'Noles' status back among the kings of college football. A Sooners' loss furthers the belief that Bob Stoops' squad crumbles in big situations.

Look for the Sooners' to falter early against this great Seminoles' defense. Manuel will make the plays asked of him, and will manage the game otherwise.

It will be very close, but the Seminoles hold on by a hair.

Prediction: Florida State 24 Oklahoma 21