CHEEZ-IT BOWL: OKLAHOMA VS FLORIDA STATE

December 26, 2022

Ted Roof

Camping World Stadium

Oklahoma Sooners

Press Conference

Q. You obviously were familiar with Florida State from your days at the ACC. Does it look similar, obviously the uniforms are similar but does it look like a Florida State team that you went against before?

TED ROOF: Absolutely it does. You know, they have improved so much this year, so much from last year to this year and also during the course of the year. They are Top 20 in rushing offense, leading the free world in third down conversions, averaging almost 37 points a game. They have playmakers all over the place and a lot of improvement in the offensive line.

Yeah, they look like and play like what we are used to when playing Florida State. Like you said, all the years in the ACC with Coach [Bobby] Bowden and Jimbo [Fisher].

Q. Jordan Travis, how much of a challenge is he?

TED ROOF: Oh, he is a tremendous challenge. He is a playmaker. He extends plays with his legs. Makes players miss in space, is an accurate passer and can extend plays, not only scrambling but also extend plays to throw the ball down the field. We have a lot of respect for him, and he is one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Q. With how much Florida State has grown from last year to this year, is there any benefit that you and Coach Venables have looking at the film from last year?

TED ROOF: They are such a different team this year as far as how they play. It is a much different team and just a lot of production from a lot of different areas. So, we have a lot of respect for them.

Q. The running back, Trey Benson, has emerged and had a good season. They run the ball well in general but how much is it him making plays after he gets past the line of scrimmage?

TED ROOF: It is a combination, certainly, he is a fantastic back, and he is not the only really good back they have. They have a stable of them. They all make big plays, but their offensive line has really, really improved. So, the running back is not going to do that without a lot of improvement from his offensive line, good play from his line. But you know, he makes a lot of people miss, as all their backs do, not just him.

But again, he makes a lot of yards after contact, a lot of yard after contact and that will be a real challenge for us.

Q. Peyton Bowen, how unique was his flip to OU and what is the tone of the coaching staff?

TED ROOF: Unique, very unique. Certainly, our staff was extremely excited about it and happy to get it and look forward to him coming in and starting the process and becoming a college football player.

Q. Your defense, how have you guys improved through the course of the season and into the postseason?

TED ROOF: It has been an up and down. There has been some ups, and there have been some downs, but I am really proud of how our group has faced it all, handled it all and understand the adversity that we have gone through, because we haven't played like we've wanted to. I take the responsibility for that. That's all on me.

Again, just this group of men, this group of players, it's fun to go to work and coach them every day, because it is all about what's next. How can we get better, how can we improve. The attitude and mindset has really shown up during bowl practice as well.

Excited about the next opportunity and thank goodness we have another opportunity to play, excited to be here and looking forward to playing.

Q. They have seven or eight consecutive games registering over 200 yards. Is it something schematic or personnel? What is it about the Florida State running attack that seems to be standing out to you?

TED ROOF: Certainly, they have a wonderful scheme. They know how to stress a defense and put people in conflict. They have a very physical offensive line that knows who they are targeting. Then you have great backs, and a quarterback that can run, too. It is all encompassing. It is not like one thing. It is an all-encompassing deal. Again, it is a real challenge. That is top in the league and they are one of the best in the country.