Florida State Seminoles are Reeling With Defections in Orange Bowl Showdown with Georgia Bulldogs
The 2023 Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla, between the Florida State Seminoles and the Georgia Bulldogs, has went from a promising matchups to one of the most lopsided ones, at least on paper. FSU is reeling from a combination of things, not the least from being snubbed of its spot in the College Football Playoff. With the Georgia Bulldogs being left out as well, they have lost some players to the transfer portal and NFL draft prospects opting out as well.
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Georgia Bulldogs Determination After SEC Championship Setback
In the SEC Championship Game, Georgia faced a formidable setback against Alabama, putting an end to their hopes of securing a third consecutive National Championship. However, the Bulldogs are determined to finish the season on a high note by aiming for victory in the Orange Bowl against Florida State.
Florida State’s Challenge Despite Undefeated Season
The Seminoles, despite being the first undefeated Power Five champion to miss the College Football Playoff, face significant challenges, particularly with the absence of their star quarterback due to a season-ending leg injury. This setback has severely impacted FSU’s offense, making them considerable underdogs against Georgia’s formidable defense.
Key Players to Watch in Orange Bowl Clash
Key players to watch in this Orange Bowl matchup include Georgia’s Carson Beck, who has emerged as one of the most dangerous passers in the country, boasting impressive statistics with a 72% completion rate, 3,689 passing yards, and 22 passing touchdowns. On the other side, Florida State’s Tate Rodemaker, despite recovering from a concussion, faces the daunting task of leading his team against Georgia’s strong defense with limited support from a depleted skill position lineup.
Powerhouses Collide in the Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl clash between Georgia and Florida State features two Power Five programs that narrowly missed out on College Football Playoff contention. Georgia, ranked sixth, comes into the game with a 12-1 overall record, having suffered their only loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game.
Florida State ranked fifth, boasts an undefeated 13-0 season but was surprisingly excluded from the College Football Playoff. The historical series between the two teams favors Georgia with a 6-4-1 advantage, including a 26-13 victory in their most recent meeting in the Sugar Bowl in 2003.
Georgia’s Offensive Prowess Despite SEC Championship Loss
Georgia, initially the top-ranked team in the nation, stumbled against Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, leading to a drop to the sixth position in the CFP playoffs. Despite a narrow 27-24 defeat, Georgia’s offensive prowess is evident, ranking 10th in passing offense and 40th in rushing offense nationally. The Bulldogs excel in both scoring offense (9th) and defense (9th), with quarterback Carson Beck leading the way, supported by a dynamic rushing attack featuring Daijun Edwards.
Florida State’s Resilience Despite Playoff Snub
Florida State, despite an impressive 13-0 record and an ACC Championship win over Louisville, faced an unexpected snub from the College Football Playoff. The Seminoles displayed resilience, securing victory with a third-string quarterback in the ACC Championship Game. Jordan Travis led the team with 2,756 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and minimal interceptions. However, the absence of key players, including injured quarterback Tate Rodemaker and opted-out stars like Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson, and Lawrence Toafili, poses a significant challenge for the Seminoles.
Player Availability and Challenges
In terms of player availability, Georgia’s transfer portal lists several names, with quarterback Brock Vandagriff, wide receiver Mekhi Mews, and linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson being notable figures. Additionally, key players such as Brock Bowers and Amarius Mims have opted out of the Orange Bowl, while others like Rara Thomas and Julian Humphrey face injury concerns.
On the Florida State side, the program is set to field a team that resembles a junior varsity (JV) squad due to numerous challenges. Injuries and transfers have depleted their roster, with quarterback Jordan Travis and receiver Keon Coleman among the notable absentees.
The stars of the team, including Wilson, Coleman, Bell, Benson, Verse, Lovett, Dent, Green, and Jones, have opted out, presenting a formidable challenge for the remaining players. Lawrence Toafili, a key contributor, is also absent from the depth chart after undergoing surgery.
Setback for Georgia with Damon Wilson Jr.’s Absence
Georgia Bulldogs will be without freshman outside linebacker Damon Wilson Jr. in the Orange Bowl due to knee surgery. While this is a setback for the Bulldogs, Wilson Jr. is expected to recover in time for the 2024 college football season. His absence is notable, especially considering the increased role he was anticipated to play in the Orange Bowl following the transfer of Marvin Jones Jr. to Florida State.
The Anticipated Orange Bowl Showdown (Odds at BetAnySports.eu)
The Orange Bowl matchup between Georgia and Florida State is a clash of two powerhouse programs that narrowly missed out on the College Football Playoff. Georgia aims to rebound from their SEC Championship Game loss and secure a bowl win, while Florida State faces significant challenges with key players opting out or being unavailable due to injuries. The game promises to be a test of resilience and depth for both teams as they seek to end the season on a positive note. Be sure to check BetAnySports.eu and claim 135% Free Play on your deposit.
Spread: Georgia -20 (-110) – Florida State +20 (-110)
Money line: Georgia -1200 – Florida State +750
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