Preview: FSU vs Georgia: 2023 Orange Bowl

Where to watch: ESPN and ESPN +

Time: 4:00 pm

This Saturday, the 30th, two perennial powers in College Football will go head to head on the gridiron. But this game feels different. Both teams had playoff asperations throughout the entire season, only for it to be stripped from them moments before the end of the season.

Georgia, who was on a 29 game win streak, as well as back to back national champions, lost their last game to Alabama in the SEC championship and was bumped to #6 by the College Football Playoff Committee. After the loss, Kirby Smart said “If you’re going to tell me somebody sitting in that committee room and doesn’t think that that Georgia team is not one of the best four teams, I don’t know if they’re in the right profession”. Despite the disheartening end to the season, no players have opted out of the bowl game, meaning they will be full health for the matchup vs the Seminoles.

Florida State, who finished undefeated and was the ACC champion, was also left out in favor of Alabama. They are the first undefeated power 5 conference champion to be left out of the playoffs in its 10 year existence. There was a lot of controversy surrounding the committee’s decision, as FSU fans believed it was “rigged” against them. Due to this disappointing ending, 26 players have entered the transfer portal and 7 players have entered the NFL draft, adding up to 33 players not playing in the bowl game.

The line for the game from ESPN Bet has Georgia -19 points and they give Georgia a 61.2 percent chance of winning.

FSU will be starting true freshman QB Brock Glenn, who played in the ACC championship vs Louisville. When asked about the upcoming opportunity to play against Georgia, he said “When I first started, if you ever told me this would happen, this story, I wouldn’t believe you. It’s God’s plan and his process and I trust the process and I’m excited for the opportunity.” Ja’khi Douglas was also moved back to running back, where he was before switching to wide receiver.

FSU will have to rely on their defense heavily in this game, as most of their core defensive players are still playing. Players like DE Patrick Payton and DT Braden Fiske will be an integral part of keeping the high powered Georgia run game in check.

FSU will have an uphill battle vs the Bulldogs, but Norvell and crew are ready for the challenge. Make sure to come back to Seminole Section, where we will breakdown the game and what happened.