Orange Bowl: #6 Georgia vs #5 Florida State Odds, and Picks (Dec 30)

• Georgia came up short in the SEC title game, losing 27-24 to Alabama.
• Florida State improved to 13-0 against Louisville, but still missed the CFP.
• These two teams last met on January 1, 2003, in a game Georgia won 26-13.

The college football season has reached the bowl slate! Let’s preview the 2023 Orange Bowl between the Georgia Bulldogs and Florida State Seminoles. Both teams have something to prove after missing the CFP.

How to Watch

• ESPN

Preview

Georgia had their 29-game winning streak snapped in the SEC title game by Alabama, falling to 12-1 on the season. Despite their relative dominance over the past three seasons, the defeat put the Bulldogs in a precarious position. They wound up log-jammed by teams with undefeated records or head-to-head wins, forcing Georgia all the way from #1 to #6. The two-time defending champions are now in a non-CFP bowl.

Florida State’s defense shut Louisville down in the ACC title game, aiding them to a 16-6 victory. Despite the win resulting in a perfect 13-0 season, the Seminoles were left out of the CFP in favor of 1-loss teams. It’s an unprecedented result for a power-5 team, and a sobering indication of the future of the ACC. Florida State will enter this game pissed off, looking to make a statement and cap off an undefeated 14-0 season.

Prediction

Despite Florida State entering this game with extra motivation, I’m not sure it’ll be enough to get the win in this matchup. The Bulldogs will also be playing very frustrated by the CFP committee’s decision, giving both teams something to prove. Without QB Jordan Travis, the Seminoles are likely to have significant offensive troubles against Georgia’s stellar defense. I see the Bulldogs winning this one with confidence.

NCAAF Picks:

• Georgia 31, Florida State 10 ()