The Jimbo Fisher era at Florida State began in grand fashion on Saturday as the host Seminoles breezed past overmanned Samford, 59-6.

Fisher, the man who drew the unenviable task of succeeding the iconic Bobby Bowden, easily notched his first career coaching victory at the expense of his alma mater, setting the stage for next week’s much-anticipated showdown at No. 8 Oklahoma.

The Bulldogs (0-1), a Football Championship Subdivision team that went 5-6 a year ago, never stood a chance against the deeper, more athletic and more talented hosts.

Senior quarterback Christian Ponder accounted for all of his 167 yards passing and four touchdown passes in the decisive first half, as the 20th-ranked ‘Noles cruised to the 42-3 halftime advantage at Doak Campbell Stadium and never looked back.

A Heisman Trophy candidate, Ponder finished the afternoon having completed 12 of his 14 attempts with an interception before giving way to E.J. Manuel in the third period.

Sophomore cornerback Greg Reid also picked up right where he left off a year ago, taking a punt back 74 yards to help Florida State (1-0) break the game open with 35 second-quarter points.