Oklahoma’s Opponent: 5 Florida State Seminoles to know ahead of the Cheez-It-Bowl
Oklahoma has landed in Orlando and has been practicing since Christmas weekend. On Thursday, they take on the No. 13 Florida State Seminoles, who will have the de-facto home-field advantage. Florida State is arguably the best team Oklahoma has played this year, aside from the TCU Horned Frogs, who will be representing the Big 12 in the College Football Playoff.
Florida State is rising back up the ACC ranks in Mike Norvell’s third season in Tallahassee. He’ll have a very physical and talented Seminoles team ready for the Sooners.
The Seminoles have some real difference-makers on both sides of the ball. With Oklahoma at a disadvantage due to NFL opt-outs and transfer portal entries, it will make things even harder for the Sooners. Who are the Seminoles’ difference makers? Here are five players to be aware of as the Sooners look to finish the season on a high note.
Jordan Travis, QB
Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jordan Travis (13) celebrates a touchdown as the Seminoles and the Ragin’ Cajuns face off at Doak Campbell Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022 in Tallahassee, Fla.
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The engine of Florida State’s offense, Jordan Travis, is the field general for their team. Oklahoma’s struggles against dual-threat quarterbacks won’t inspire much confidence ahead of this game.
Travis quarterbacks an FSU offense that ranks top 20 in the country in scoring offense and in total offense. He’s quite possibly the most dynamic quarterback they’ve faced this year.
His top three targets out wide are Ontaria “Pokey” Wilson, Johnny Wilson, and Mycah Pittman. He’s completed 63.2 percent of his passes for 2,796 yards and 22 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. He’s scored seven times on the ground.
Keeping containment and bringing Travis down on first contact will be huge for the Oklahoma Sooners. If they can do those things, they can give themselves a real chance to win the game.
Jared Verse, EDGE
Aug 27, 2022; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive end Jared Verse (5) lines up against Duquesne Dukes offensive lineman Chris Oliver (59) during the first half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Verse may be the best player on the field on Thursday night. He’s certainly the most highly regarded in terms of pro prospects. CBS Sports has him as their No. 2 EDGE and their No. 8 overall prospect.
The talented EDGE is playing his first year of FBS football after transferring from the University of Albany. He ranked second in the ACC in tackles for loss at 12. He also contributed 7.5 sacks, which tied for 33rd nationally.
His first step and ability to transition from speed to power is probably the most impressive trait he possesses. Couple that with his ability to set the edge in the run game using his speed and strength to remain solid and maintain leverage. He’s a complete EDGE defender.
It would have been an incredible matchup to see him go up against Anton Harrison, another first-round NFL Draft hopeful. Unfortunately, for football aficionados, Harrison opted out. That leaves Jacob Sexton with quite the challenge in his first start as an Oklahoma Sooner. Sexton will get a heck of a welcome to the Power Five as he looks to keep Verse from harassing Dillon Gabriel.
Jammie Robinson, S
Oct 9, 2021; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Jammie Robinson (10) stops the run against North Carolina Tar Heels running back Ty Chandler (19) during the first half at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Accompanying Verse on Florida State’s defense is fellow All-ACC performer Jammie Robinson.
Robinson is a playmaker at safety and a chess piece for FSU defensive coordinator Adam Fuller.
Fuller has had Robinson line up in the slot as a nickel back and at free or strong safety. Imagine former Baylor safety Jalen Pitre, who gave Oklahoma trouble in 2021.
He’s unafraid of playing in the box and shows great instincts in the run game or as an extra rusher. Where may Oklahoma be able to exploit him? Targeting him in man-to-man situations in the passing game.
Trey Benson, RB
Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) sprints towards the end zone. The Florida State Seminoles defeated the Florida Gators 45-38 at Doak Campbell Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.
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In the backfield with Jordan Travis is Oregon transfer Trey Benson. Benson, a former three-star running back from Mississippi, is knocking on the door of a 1,000-yard season.
He sits at 965 yards on 141 carries with nine touchdowns entering the Cheez-It Bowl.
He’s shifty and not afraid of running behind his pads. The combination of he and Travis will create some challenges for the Sooners in the read-option game. The front seven will have a lot of weight on its shoulders to dictate how this game goes.
Johnny Wilson, WR
Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Johnny Wilson (14) rushes toward the end zone. Florida State football defeated Georgia Tech, 41-16, On Oct. 29, 2022, at Doak Campbell Stadium.
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Stop us if you’ve heard this before: Oklahoma will have to deal with a giant receiver.
It’s happening again.
Oklahoma’s struggles against big receivers are well-documented. After already playing against the likes of Quentin Johnston, Xavier Worthy, and Xavier Hutchinson, the ride doesn’t stop as Florida State receiver Johnny Wilson stands above them all at six-foot-seven.
At that height, he’s a red-zone target Oklahoma will have to deal with somehow. Will they roll safety help over the top, or will this be a game that someone like Kani Walker, Key Lawrence, Justin Harrington, or Jayden Rowe gets a special assignment?
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