Georgia College Playoff Snub: The entire football world felt the sting of disappointment witnessing the undefeated ACC Champion Florida State team being left out of the College Football Playoff. However, there was little sympathy for Georgia, the second team denied a playoff spot after their loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
Inside the Bulldogs’ camp, devastation followed their fall short in the conference title game. Head coach Kirby Smart faced the task of lifting his players’ spirits after a defeat unfamiliar to most, given their impressive record during their time on campus. Smart shared his post-loss message to his team.
Smart expressed. Guys in there, two classes of guys in that room that have not lost a game. Youre looking at, I dont know, 10, 15 NFL players who lose it feels like every other week. Theres two classes of our kids that have not lost a game.
Theyre resilient, theyre fighters. In life a lot of times you really cant get better until you lose sometimes because you have to find out what you can do better. It was a sad [guys were] really upset. Guys really care about this team. The culture is really good on this team. They were hurt in there, rightfully so. The message doesnt change. Were looking inward and figuring out what we can do.
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In a departure from the norm in the College Football Playoff era, the top-ranked team entering conference championship week will miss out on the playoff. Instead, Georgia will face Florida State in the Orange Bowl, denied the chance to defend their back-to-back national championships.
Despite the setback, Georgia is a 14-point betting favorite in the Orange Bowl. The game is set for Saturday, Dec. 30, at 4 p.m. ET, and will be broadcast live on ESPN.
While the opening line indicates Georgia’s status among the top teams, the narrative pivoted on Texas’ win over Alabama in Week 2, and Georgia’s inability to clinch the SEC title when it mattered most. However, the Orange Bowl presents an opportunity for the Bulldogs to secure a prestigious trophy, serving as a worthy consolation prize.
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Our Reader’s Queries
How many Florida State players opted out?
A total of 23 Seminoles are opting out of the Orange Bowl. Of these, nine players are choosing to declare for the NFL draft, while 14 players have entered the transfer portal.
Where is the college football championship today?
The big national championship showdown is happening on Monday, Jan. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Who did Georgia play in bowl game?
Georgia’s 2023 season came to an impressive close with a record-breaking victory in the Orange Bowl. They dominated No. 5 Florida State with a staggering 63-3 win, marking the largest blowout in bowl history.
How does college football championship work?
The current College Football Playoff format started in 2014. It features a four-team knockout bracket to determine the national champion. The semifinals are played in the Cotton, Fiesta, Orange, Peach, Rose, and Sugar bowls, which rotate each year.