Florida State is hoping the troubles Landry Jones experienced last week will carry over to this Saturday when the Seminoles come to Norman. Kickoff is at 2:30 pm (ABC-TV).
That’s especially true because its the Seminole defensive woes that the folks from Tallahassee are hoping to put behind them. The Seminoles were 94th last year in defense, so if there is any area of concern for them it’s whether they can stop a Jones-run Sooner offense.
So, who would FSU have to prepare their defense against Oklahoma?
Some guy named Stoops.
Bob’s little brother Mark will be on the other side of the field as defensive coordinator for the Seminoles. He is expected to prepare the FSU defense to play multiple zone packages to limit Jones’ passing to middle-field plays, turning the Oklahoma wide receivers toward the FSU linebackers (probably their defense’s strength, at least it was until starting weakside linebacker Nigel Carr was arrested for burglary, property damage, theft of a credit card, and fraud).
This could be especially important because Oklahoma did not complete a pass to either running backs or tight ends in last week’s 31-24 win over Utah State. Florida State will work to negate outside receivers, such as Ryan Broyles.
Although Florida State had trouble on defense last year, Stoops — Mark, not Bob — did not inherit Little Leaguers. This Florida State team beat BYU last year (something the Sooners didn’t do).
Jimbo Fisher has steadily improved his offense in each of his three years as the offensive coordinator. Florida State has QB Christian Ponder, who their fans tout as a Heisman hopeful, and most of their offense returning. Not returning will be the WR expected to be Ponder’s go-to guy, Jarmon Fortson, who was dismissed from the team for violating undisclosed team rules.
Still, with an excellent kick return game the Seminoles could make some things happen in Norman.
Oklahoma’s secondary stubbed its toe last week against the Aggies and FSU is hoping to be effective passing the ball against the Sooners this week. But, Ponder has said that he expects a much tougher show from the Sooners on Saturday than was displayed in Norman last week.
GAME: Florida State vs. Oklahoma, Norman — September 11. 2:30 pm kickoff. TV: ABC
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