Georgia Orange Bowl Dilemma: Georgia faced a disappointing conclusion to its season with a loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game, landing them in the No. 6 spot in the College Football Playoff rankings and missing the playoff field. Coach Kirby Smart now grapples with challenging decisions as the Bulldogs prepare for the Orange Bowl against Florida State.
The post-championship pivot raises crucial questions: Who will play, who won’t, and who might declare participation only to show up with less than full effort? Smart acknowledges the complexity of managing a team that aimed for a championship throughout the year but fell short.
Recalling a similar scenario in a past season, Smart emphasizes a no-nonsense approach: “Youre either in or youre out, man. Were going to go compete, were going to go practice. Thats how teams win, be committed to the cause and be all in on it.”
The uncertainty lingers on which players will opt out of the Orange Bowl for Georgia. Injuries may lead key stars like receiver Ladd McConkey and tight end Brock Bowers to consider sitting this one out. Smart is unsure of the final roster but stresses the importance of commitment from those who decide to play.
However, it’s evident that Georgia will introduce new players in the Orange Bowl, whether by choice or necessity. Smart highlights the impact of the current dynamics in college football, including the transfer portal and the increasing number of players entering. Playing new faces is inevitable, and Smart acknowledges that some players will step into roles they are moving toward in the upcoming year.
The Orange Bowl is scheduled for Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. ET, with a national broadcast on ESPN. The game, while not the championship pursuit Georgia aimed for, presents an opportunity for new faces to make an impact on the field.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Has Georgia ever been to the Orange Bowl?
Georgia dominated the 90th Capital One Orange Bowl with a 35-point second quarter, securing a record-breaking 63-3 victory over No. 5 Florida State. The game, held at Hard Rock Stadium, was a complete rout in favor of Georgia.
Why did Florida State players opt out of bowl game?
Nine Seminoles chose to forgo participating in the Orange Bowl in order to focus on getting ready for the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, 10 others, including backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, made the decision to transfer to another team.
How many FSU players opted out?
A total of 23 Seminoles have chosen not to participate in the Orange Bowl. Nine players have decided to forego the game in order to enter the NFL draft, while another 14 players have entered the transfer portal.
Who did Georgia play in bowl game?
In a historic victory, No. 6 Georgia closed out its 2023 season with a record-breaking win in the Orange Bowl, crushing No. 5 Florida State 63-3.