Oklahoma - FSU: Preview, Prediction and Betting Odds; Will Manuel or Jones Shine?

One of the most hotly contested matchups of the season takes place on Saturday when top-ranked Oklahoma (1-0) visits Tallahassee to face fifth-ranked Florida State (2-0).

The Sooners and the Seminoles won't likely face an opponent with a very high ranking for the rest of the season, so a victory is vital to earn respect when bowl season rolls around.

Florida State will be seeking revenge after the trashing Oklahoma gave them in Norman last year.

Quarterback Landy Jones completed 30 of 40 passes for 380 yards with four touchdowns, in the Sooners' 47-17 thumping. Oklahoma went into the fourth quarter leading by 37 points. The Seminoles turned the ball over three times, and conceded 95 yards in penalties.

Jimbo Fisher's squad should put up a far better effort this time around. Florida State returns eight starters on offense, and eight starters on defense, including junior quarterback E.J. Manuel, who has put up strong numbers this season, albeit against weak competition.

Manuel's name will be mentioned as a Heisman Trophy candidate should he have a big game against Oklahoma. The duel threat is key to the Seminoles' success. Fisher utilizes several running backs and wide receivers in his offense, so a great deal of the responsibility falls on Manuel. However, wide receivers Bert Reed and Rodney Smith are good deep-play threats, and could be game changers.

On defense, junior defensive end Brandon Jenkins and senior cornerback Greg Reid each have a good shot of cracking the first round of next year's NFL Draft. The Seminoles have depth and experience, and the defensive line is one of the best in the nation.

Fisher will need his team to step up, because Oklahoma in No. 1 in the nation for a reason. The Sooners have one of the best quarterbacks in the college football in Jones, and one of the best wide receivers in Ryan Broyles, making for an excellent passing attack.

Head coach Bob Stoops is very pleased about what he has around Jones and Broyles: an offensive line with experience. Stoops may also have a surprise running back star in Dominique Whaley, a walk on who rushed for 131 yards on 18 carries last week against Tulsa.

The defense was dealt a blow upon learning that star outside linebacker Travis Lewis will sit out the game. Corey Nelson is expected to fill in for Lewis again, and middle linebacker Tom Wort has been a leader for Oklahoma.

The defensive line and secondary are packed with talent, but safety is a question mark for the Sooners.

THE LINE: Oklahoma favored by 3.5 points.

PREDICTION: Jones will throw the ball early and often, and he will stick to Broyles. Oklahoma's offensive line will struggle to create holes for the running game, which could be a major problem. Playing at home, the Seminoles will be geared up and will give the Sooners' defense fits with their quarterback draws, as Manuel should have a big game in what will be a very tight game.

PREDICTED SCORE: Florida State 31, Oklahoma 30