FSU vs. Oklahoma State Preview

FSU vs. Oklahoma State Preview 

Arlington, Texas– August 30th

OSU 2013 Record: 10-3

Returning Starters: 6 on offense, 4 on defense   

TRADITION:

It only seems appropriate for Chief Osceola and the number one ranked ‘Noles to kick this season off against OSU in Dallas. Why? Chief Osceola and Renegade made their debut as the Seminoles’ mascot in 1978 before a 38-20 victory against the Cowboys. 2014 is a year that will go down in FSU’s history as one to remember as the Seminoles’ logo received its most significant facelift to date. This, paired with brand new uniforms, already makes 2014 a landmark year in Seminole history, and also one that coincidentally has the Garnet and Gold matched up against the Cowboys, again.

CONTRAST:

These are two teams that start the season with expectations that couldn’t be any further apart. The consistent storyline this offseason has been how the Pokes return just ten starters from last year’s squad. FSU’s most recent depth chart is the polar opposite, as the ‘Noles have no freshmen (save long snapper Stephen Gabbard) and five sophomores penciled in to start. Oklahoma State’s lack of experience in itself is the primary reason why the Cowboys aren’t getting the national recognition they are seemingly accustomed to in recent years. On paper, and by the eyeball test, a matchup between these two teams just a year ago would probably have had analysts split on who their pick would be, as the ‘Noles checked in at No. 11 in the AP poll while the Pokes came in right behind them at No. 13.

DROP OFF:

Oklahoma State was often explosive on offense during their 2013 campaign, averaging 39.1 point per game (15th in the FBS). Repeating this would be a tough task for a 2014 squad that lost running back Jeremy Smith, wire receivers Josh Stewart and Tracy Moore, and offensive leader, quarterback Clint Chelf. Oklahoma State’s run game will seemingly be intact as Desmond Roland returns for the Pokes. Roland finished the 2013 season with 881 yards and 13 touchdowns. A lack of veteran leadership will show among the Cowboys’ wide receiving unit, as OSU doesn’t return any junior or senior wideouts.

RECORDS & STREAKS:

Under head coach Mike Gundy the Cowboys are currently 2-0 all time in neutral site openers, on a six game winning streak in home openers, and have scored at least 20 points in 52 consecutive games. On the other hand, head coach Jimbo Fisher has the ‘Noles sitting at 4-0 in season openers, on a 16-game winning streak, and leading current ACC head coaches with a 9-5 record against top 25 opponents.

PREDICTION:

It’s painstakingly obvious to see what a mismatch FSU vs. Oklahoma State is in the season opener in Dallas, as many have the Seminoles as landslide victors. Perhaps a quote from Mike Gundy himself from Monday’s interviews might help put this into perspective. When Gundy was asked about Florida State and how he would motivate his team, Gundy had this to say:

"“[FSU] is as good athletically (as I’ve seen) and they do a good job of coaching them and putting them in the right spot. When you play a team this good, you have to be structured, organized and get rolling early.”"

To get “rolling early” is something that a team starting at least eight players who were high school seniors last year will struggle to do against the defending national champions. As 17.5 point favorites, the Seminoles should roll in this one early and not have to look back.