Jared Verse says Florida State aiming for a shutout against Oklahoma

As the Cheez-It Bowl draws closer, Florida State knows the task it has at hand to stop the Oklahoma offense. Jared Verse said the Seminoles have one important goal as they prepare for the game.

Keep the Sooners off the scoreboard.

“The goal’s always the same: to shut them out,” Verse said. “Their goal is to put the most points on the board that they possibly can. We’re going to see who can reach their goals first, but for us, we have to bring our best foot stepping forward. We have to bring our best, everybody’s got to be as fast as they are, as strong as they can be and just come out with their best. Nothing less.”

Oklahoma ranked sixth in the Big 12 in scoring offense this year, averaging 32.9 yards per game in the first year of the Brent Venables era in Norman. Florida State, meanwhile, had an impressive year on defense in the ACC. The Seminoles ranked third in the league with 19.7 points allowed per contest.

Verse has been one of the anchors of the Florida State defensive attack this season — his first with the program after transferring in from Albany. With 41 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks, he’s put himself in position to potentially hear his name called during the 2023 NFL Draft.

As the bowl game approaches, though, Verse said he’s not rushing to make a decision. He’s keeping his eyes focused on the matchup with Oklahoma for now and will announce his future plans when the time is right.

“No, not at all,” said Verse when asked if he has provided the coaches with a new timeline. “I’m still talking to my family, deciding what is best for me, what’s best for my family moving forward. But I have been very communicative with the coaches and the staff working around me. They have been very helpful, giving me the information I need. But it’s just whenever I feel right about it.”