After Bob Stoops congratulated his brother and family small talk was exchanged, the two hung up.

Minutes later, Mark’s phone rang. It was his brother, with a reminder about a date on the calendar: Sept. 11.

That day is almost here. On Saturday, when the 17th-ranked Seminoles travel to Norman to play the 10th-ranked Sooners, it will be the first meeting ever between two brothers of a family that has produced four coaches.

It’s hard to believe that four brothers who have combined to work at 12 programs in nine conferences have never faced each other. But it’s true. Even as assistants, there has never been a game where a Stoops was on one sideline facing a brother on the other sideline.

“You would think it happened somewhere along the line,” said Mark Stoops. “It never worked out until now.”

In addition to Bob and Mark, the other Stoops brothers coaching are Mike, the head man at Arizona since 2004, and Ron Jr., who finally joined his brothers in college coaching at Youngstown State this year after a high school coaching career of more than 30 years — including nine at Cardinal Mooney High School in Youngstown, Ohio, where all four brothers played for their late father, Ron Stoops Sr.

It was probably unrealistic to expect that a Stoops brother would never have to coach against another. And as long as they hold their current positions, it can only happen in a regular-season blockbuster such as Saturday’s game or in a bowl.

It’s going to need to make those adjustments quickly considering how dominant Florida State looked last week.

The 10th-ranked Sooners try to shore up their problems on both sides of the ball when they host the No. 17 Seminoles on Saturday in their first meeting since the 2000 national title game…

Oregon State decided to schedule the two toughest non-BCS teams in the country, and TCU is the first of these two games. The Beavers have two of the more electrifying offensive players in the nation with Jacquizz and James Rodgers, who combined for 32 touchdowns last year alone. To score touchdowns in this game these two will have to bust out game-breaking plays. They will clash against a TCU defense, which ranked No. 1 in the nation last year and led the Horned Frogs to a BCS bowl appearance. While TCU is typically known for defensive prowess, its offense is nothing to laugh at. This experienced group will pose trouble for the Oregon State defense, which was only average last year. TCU’s fan support will make it even tougher for the Beavers to pull off the upset.

No. 21 LSU vs. No. 18 North Carolina

The 2010 Chick-fil-A Kickoff game takes place on a neutral field in Atlanta and features the LSU Tigers, a team trying to return to the top of the SEC West, and the up-and-coming ACC contender the UNC Tar Heels. Both teams pride themselves on defense. In 2009, North Carolina ranked sixth while LSU was 26th in total team defense. Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, several of their players could be suspended due to multiple NCAA probes. The most important of these players is defensive tackle Marvin Austin, a possible NFL first-round draft pick after this year. With all the distractions surrounding the UNC program, LSU has a chance to take advantage of the situation and establish itself as a legitimate contender in both the SEC and the nation. For this to happen, LSU needs junior quarterback Jordan Jefferson to step up and realize his immense potential. The team that will win this game is the one who limits turnovers and controls the clock.

No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 10 Virginia Tech

This battle involves two teams who have national championship dreams, which makes it the best game of the opening week. A loss by either team will all but eliminate any chance for those dreams to come to fruition. This is the chance for the Broncos to show the nation that they are truly a top program and a real championship contender. Virginia Tech is the premier team on Boise’s schedule, which overall is rather weak because of the competition they face in the WAC conference. It will be very difficult to beat Virginia Tech, despite playing on a neutral field in Washington, D.C., because it will give the Hokies an unofficial home field advantage. VT also has great players across the board, including an offense led by senior quarterback Tyrod Taylor and stud sophomore running back Ryan Williams. The Hokie defense, however, will have its hands full with a Boise State offense that led the nation in points per game and features Heisman-hopeful Kellen Moore.

Every team is undefeated and looking to start off strong. After coming off of a disappointing 7-6 season, Florida State may perhaps be the team that has looked forward to redemption the most.

The Seminoles start the season off with a should-be-easy opponent in Samford University. The Bulldogs are a FCS school that just so happens to be the place where new Head Coach Jimbo Fisher played quarterback at years ago.

Florida State won’t have to worry about any Ryan Perrilouxs on this squad, such as last year’s opponent Jacksonville State, but Samford isn’t a team to look past either. The most important thing Florida State can do is go out and prove they are worth watching out for.

Now that may not happen against a FCS school, but it will certainly help to prep them for next week’s contest against Oklahoma. Given the fact that this is a new defense with a new defensive scheme, a start-up game is exactly what is in order.

Florida State will be able to display their new defensive scheme and will be able to see early results on whether or not the switch will make the difference. It will take more than one game to determine this, of course, but the nation will be able to see if they have improved their weakest link yet.

The matchup also gives FSU a chance to fill in the holes left by Jarmon Forston, Nigel Carr, and Moses McCray. While there are plenty of wide receivers to go around at FSU, filling the void left by Carr and McCray will be a tough task.

This weekend also marks the start of what hopes to be a successful season for Heisman hopeful, Christian Ponder. Ponder, who is coming off of offseason shoulder surgery, will get a chance to prove that he is healthy and better than before.

This marks the beginning of the Jimbo Fisher Era even though former head coach and legend Bobby Bowden will be on the minds and hearts of thousands of Seminole fans across the country.

2) Most experienced offensive line in many years (Rodney Hudson is a beast)

3) Exceptional quarterback (best since Weinke)

This season, there are no concerns whatsoever with the offense.  In fact, there are so many weapons, it is very possible that the Seminoles will not have a 1,000 yard rusher or receiver.  That’s fine because it means a balanced attack of using veteran and younger players to get points on the board.

In fact, the only person everyone’s eyes truly can’t wait to see is No. 7 Christian Ponder.  He is the dark horse for the Heisman.  He has all the numbers, the academics, and needs the team to get wins so that he will the possibility of being in New York City as a finalist.

The defense is what everyone focuses on negatively.  It was no secret that FSU played its worst defensive unit last year it had ever had.  One article pointed out that in a span of eight games, FSU allowed more total points than any of the ’90s teams did in a whole season individually.

Needless to say, it was ugly.  Breaking down the overall look of the defense last season, it wasn’t the linemen to blame.  FSU didn’t allow many rushing yards compared to the average for NCAA teams with dealy .  The linebackers played great against short passes but did falter many times against running quarterbacks, allowing big gains.

The biggest area of concern where points were given up in large amounts was in the secondary, primarily the safeties.  Over and over again the deep ball was used against FSU with deadly accuracy.  Many times the coverage was so poor, receivers were clear of any defender by five to 10 yards.

FSU would have allowed many more points on times that the quarterback overthrew the receiver.  The lowest point of last season had to come against an FBS Jacksonville State which took two touchdowns in the last minute of the game to come from behind (losing for close to 55 minutes of the game).

This season, instead of running the man defense of Mickey Andrews, Mark Stoops brings a zone style that he ran in Arizona, a defense he made 25th in the nation in 2009.  On the depth chart for the game against Samford, Ojenije, who played linebacker in 2009, has been moved to safety to fill in for Mangum who weakly held that position last season.

Ojenije’s transition to his new role will be one of the main factors to look at this season.  Another main factor will be the injuries and suspensions and who will take their place.  Can Mister Alexander replace Nigel Carr and how will the No. 1 recruit from a few years ago, Jacobbi McDaniel do in their starting roles?  These questions are what make this season the most exciting in many years.

Looking at this schedule, it can be broken down into many sections .  First, the out of conference schedule is brutal but necessary.  Facing three top 25 teams shows that Jimbo Fisher is not going to back away from a challenge.

In the first three games (Samford, Oklahoma, BYU), the expectation is to win the two home games but there is still some hesitancy with predicting the Oklahoma away game.  Oklahoma is 66-2 at home under Stoops but has a new quarterback and many new starters.

After this, FSU starts its ACC schedule against tough foes BC, Miami, NC State (who no matter how bad they are will give the Seminoles trouble, especially since they struggle on Thursday night games), and UNC.  Two of these teams are top 20 preseason.

If FSU struggles in the out of conference games, at least they can still fight for an ACC title.  However, if somehow they are able to go 3-0 heading into the conference schedule, FSU might be challenging in the national title scene with the game against Florida at the end of the year determining more than just in-state bragging rights.

Actual prediction: Most websites are predicting that FSU will defeat BYU and Samford, lose to Oklahoma, and that this is the best chance for FSU to break out of the six-year slump to Florida.  Final tally: 3-1 out of conference.

In ACC play, the hardest road test will be Miami which is very probable for FSU to defeat after the heartbreaker to open last season.  Honestly, either 8-0 or 7-1, but they are definitely the best team in the ACC Atlantic division.  Therefore, at least a 9-3 season is very possible.  Most likely, FSU would face Virginia Tech in the ACC championship game.

Aside from having a losing season, seeing a great change in the defense would be a win for the season since everyone is looking to 2011 as the true resurgence of FSU.  With such veteran leadership, there is no reason to not happen this season.  Fear the Spear! Go Noles!

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State will chart the first set of results in the Jimbo Fisher era next weekend against visiting Samford.

It’s the first of 12 games on what shapes up to be a difficult schedule. The Seminoles hope for a return to the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship Game and have high expectations to do so, but the end is a long way from the beginning.

The Seminoles were picked by media to win the ACC’s Atlantic Division. They have a Heisman Trophy campaign for star quarterback Christian Ponder and a new defensive staff hoping to resurrect a once proud unit.

Those stories will be developed in time, as Fisher said the Seminoles have exhibited signs of improvement and stability in preseason practices. He noted a sense of focus despite having two practice delays due to weather last week.

“They understand that they’re starting to get ready for a game and every practice they’ve got to do something to get better because it’s time,” Fisher said. “Football players usually have a switch about two weeks before they play. They know they’ve got to be ready.”

Players also need to be cognizant of competition, Fisher said. Spots on the depth chart never are secure, and there have been some changes in recent days. Fisher said Taiwan Easterling has risen above Rodney Smith as a starting wide receiver and said he doesn’t have a concern with playing freshmen so long as they contribute.

“A lot of guys can help on special teams, they can get in the game as backups,” Fisher said. “It’s not where they are now, it’s really going to be games four, five, six and seven.”

Fisher said most players are improving and many areas on the team are displaying consistency in practice. One concern has popped up in the team’s run defense, which was a problem last season. The defense, under the coordination of Mark Stoops, impressed early in fall drills, but has looked unimpressive against the Seminoles’ offensive line lately.

“We ran the ball well on the inside and knocked them out,” said Fisher of the troubles on a defensive line that needs to be better in 2010. “They’ve got to tighten that up a bit, but for the most part they’ve done really well.”

Next week’s game shouldn’t provide much of a challenge for the Seminoles’ defense. It’s the game at Oklahoma on Sept. 11 that will be the first test.

Then comes a home game against BYU, a team smarting from last year’s Florida State beating in Provo, Utah. FSU’s offense and defense will be challenged in games at Miami (Oct. 9) and home against Boston College (Oct. 16), North Carolina (Nov. 6), with the conference’s best defense, and Florida (Nov. 27).

Fisher reinforced the notion that the sights are on Samford. What happens between now and Nov. 27 is up to the Seminoles.

“The guys are still coming to work every day and doing a good job,” Fisher said. “It’s been the same and I kinda like it. They have good work ethic every day.”

’Noles notes: Junior starting guard David Spurlock returned to contact practice on Thursday. It was the first time he went full speed in two weeks after being held out only for what was called “precautionary medical reasons.” … Bay product Bert Reed isn’t listed as a starter, as Willie Haulstead is No. 1 opposite Easterling. Fisher downplayed the move and said Reed will factor heavily in the offense. … Sophomore Greg Reid and true freshman Lamarcus Joyner will share kick return duties.

2010 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: There wasn’t much wrong with Florida State’s offense in 2009, as the team averaged just over 30 points per game and did so on a balanced 421.4 yards of total offense. This year the team returns nine starters on this side of the football, including standout QB Christian Ponder. One of the top signal-callers in the nation, Ponder completed nearly 70 percent of his passes last year, for 2,717 yards, despite missing the last four games with a shoulder injury. Ponder will get one more chance to return FSU to football glory.

“I came into this program having high expectations. I wanted to compete at a national level and I expected to compete at a national level. That’s something that has driven me. I’ve been given a great opportunity to try and change that. It’s my last year and I’d like to get us back to that level.”

The hope was that Ponder would have a slew of talented playmakers on the outside and while he still will, junior wideout Jarmon Fortson (45 receptions, for 650 yards, four TDs) was recently released from the team. The cupboard is far from bare in the receiving corps however, as juniors Bert Reed (60 receptions, 710 yards) and Taiwan Easterling (35 receptions, 442 yards, two TDs) will try to assuage the loss of Fortson. The ground game should see similar success in comparison to last year (149.5 ypg), spearheaded by the rushing exploits of junior Jermaine Thomas (832 yards, 5.1 ypc, nine TDs). A real strength for FSU is along the offensive line, where all five starters return, including All-American Rodney Hudson (6-2, 282) at left guard.

DEFENSE: Not only did Bowden call it a career, but so did longtime defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews. Mark Stoops (formerly at Arizona) takes over this side of the football and will be charged with getting back to what the FSU faithful expect from a Seminole defense. They didn’t find it a year ago, as Florida State allowed 30 points per game, while getting gashed for just over 200 yards rushing per outing. Gone are standout defenders like LB Dakoda Watson and CB Patrick Robinson, but the team’s top two tacklers, LBs Nigel Bradham (93 tackles) and Kendall Smith (85 tackles) provide a nice base for Stoops to work with. Three starters return along the defensive line, headlined by DE Markus White (38 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, two sacks). However, the secondary only returns one starter, that being senior CB Ochuko Jenjie (team-high four INTs).

SPECIAL TEAMS: The kicking game returns both specialists from last year in sophomore placekicker Dustin Hopkins and junior punter Shawn Powell. Hopkins was just 19-of-27 on the year, but drilled 4-of-5 field-goal attempts in the bowl win over West Virginia. Powell averaged a steady 41.6 yards on 43 punts. The real key to FSU’s special teams is the return game and no one in the country did it better last year than freshman Greg Reid. The young cover corner led the country in 2009 with 18.4 yards per punt return, with one TD, en route to Freshman All-American honors.

OUTLOOK: There is a lot of excitement in Tallahassee, as there will be a new man in charge at the top for the first time in 35 years.

Fisher will seize the moment.

“My emotion right now is excitement, but it’s all about preparation You have to prepare to be successful. I can’t be happy just to be here. I have the job now, so what am I going to do with it?”

Fisher’s transition should be smooth, as this is one of the most talented offensive teams in the ACC. The non-conference schedule is certainly daunting, with Samford, Oklahoma, BYU and Florida on the docket. A lot will be known about this team by mid-September, following back-to-back slugfests with the Sooners and Cougars. The team gets the majority of its toughest ACC challenges at home this season, with Wake Forest. Boston College, North Carolina and Clemson all coming to town. The road slate consists of Virginia, Miami, NC State and Maryland, with only the Miami game on October 9th as a possible bump in the road. The team avoids Coastal Division powerhouse Virginia Tech altogether. If everything goes according to plan, the two teams will play in the ACC Championship Game, a nice way to begin the Fisher Era in Tallahassee.

Jones started three games in 2009, rushing for 251 yards on 51 carriers and five touchdowns. But he was criticized by coach Jimbo Fisher for his inconsistency.

This preseason, however, the 5-10, 211-pound back from Tampa has earned nothing but praise from Fisher.

“I’ve seen a different Ty Jones. A different attitude, a different demeanor, a totally different person,” Fisher said. “I’ve seen a lot of consistency from him.”

One of Jones’ biggest struggles is not even related to football. Jones has Type 1 diabetes, and according to Fisher, the disease has affected Jones’ play.

“Learning to manage [the diabetes] is a big part of it,” Fisher said. “Ninety-nine percent of the time the biggest person you neglect in this world is yourself. Guys just have to grow up. Ty’s a good kid. You can start to see the ability. He’s a smart guy and he’s a tough guy.”

James Wilder is one of them.

Wilder, a 6-foot-2, 220-pound running back from Plant High School and the No. 19 player in the ESPNU 150, chose Florida State over Florida and Georgia. He had a little fun with Georgia fans, torturing them in the process, thanks to a false Internet rumor that said he was heading to Athens. Wilder is the son of former NFL player James Wilder, and his commitment could have a ripple effect on the rest of the 2011 class.

Florida State is recruiting like it’s 1999.

The Seminoles haven’t done a darn thing on the field yet to impress these recruits, which makes what Jimbo Fisher and his staff have done on the recruiting trail even more impressive. Florida State just beat Florida where it counts the most. The Seminoles aren’t back in the national picture on the field yet, but they’ve returned to that level in recruiting. It’s only a matter of time before that translates into wins.

“We talk personnel and recruiting every day,” said offensive line coach Rick Trickett. “He’s wearing it out. He’s on the phone every day. He’s all over that. That’s his No. 1 priority right now.”

And it shows in this recruiting class.

That likely means that teams will opt to kick the ball away from the 5-8,174-pound corner, but Reid said that’s not how you are supposed to play the game.

“They’re not playing football if they kick it away from me,” Reid said. “I feel like they should just play football, man.”

Reid even joked that teams should take a chance kicking to him because he might not be as good of return man this season.

“I might kind of [stink] at punt returns this year. You never know,” he said.

Reid is prepared to capitalize on any opportunity he gets.

“I’m just ready if they kick it away from me,” he said. “I’m going to go after every punt as much as I can.”