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- No. 5 Florida State is a massive 14-point underdog to the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs
- Kirby Smart is 8-2 all-time in Bowl games and Seminoles’ coach Mike Norvell is 1-3
- The Orange Bowl kicks off from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida on Dec. 29 at 8 pm ET
This year’s Orange Bowl may as well be called the Snubbed Bowl. Undefeated Florida State wasn’t included in the College Football Playoffs because starting quarterback Jordan Travis broke his leg. And, Georgia missed out on the tournament after losing the SEC Championship to Alabama by a field goal. This despite winning 29 straight games, including back-to-back national titles.
Before we look at the line for the Orange Bowl, be sure to check out our 2023-24 College Football Betting sites and get the Best College Football Bowl Odds.
Florida State vs Georgia
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Georgia | -14 (-115) | -600 | Ov 44.5 (-110) |
| Florida State | +14 (-105) | +460 | Un 44.5 (-110) |
Upset coaches
In the history of college football, two programs have never been this upset about a berth in the Orange Bowl. After becoming the first undefeated Power 5 conference champion to not make the playoff in CFP history, Florida State coach Mike Norvell, said, “I am disgusted and infuriated… What is the point of playing games?”
Kirby Smart also wasn’t too pleased when his Bulldogs became the first-ever team ranked No. 1 entering the conference championships to fall out of the final top four. “You’re going to tell me somebody sitting in that committee room doesn’t think Georgia is one of the best four teams, I don’t know if they’re in the right profession,” said Smart.
Mike Norvell’s Record at Florida State⬇️
2020 – 3-6
2021 – 5-7
2022 – 10-3
2023 – 13-0Special Things Take Time. pic.twitter.com/vtWEUKzMqQ
— Firstdown_XOs (@FirstdownX__Os) December 8, 2023
Quarterback matchup
Tate Rodemaker will be back under center for the Seminoles after missing the ACC championship with a concussion. While his performances against North Alabama and Florida weren’t too impressive, he kept Florida State unbeaten while filling in for Jordan Travis and will now have a month to prepare. Unfortunately, star receiver Johnny Wilson has opted out of the Orange Bowl in preparation for the NFL Draft.
Carson Beck had a stellar first season as the Bulldogs starting pivot, passing for 3,738 yards with 22 TDs and six interceptions. He also finished with a 4-1 record against AP top-20 opponents.
Seminoles vs Bulldogs
Georgia is a 14-point favorite in Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with the over/under set at a paltry 44.5 points. While the Bulldogs defense isn’t the same fearsome unit that led the school to back-to-back national titles, they finished No. 1 nationally in third-down defense.
Meanwhile, the Seminoles haven’t allowed more than 20 points in nine consecutive contests. Their defense placed No. 3 in the nation with 45 sacks. Given these teams ended the year with a combined 25-1 record, they both have something to prove to the CFP committee.
“You’re a hell of a coach. I appreciate all you did for me.”
Kirby Smart to Nick Saban 💯🔥pic.twitter.com/N9q0HzKiHo
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) December 6, 2023
Previous meetings
Somehow, this is the first meeting between Florida State and Georgia since 2003. Not that it really matters, but the Bulldogs lead the series 6-4-1 despite losing four of the last six meetings.
The Seminoles are 2-0 against the SEC this year with wins over LSU (45-24) and Florida (24-15). However, the Dawgs have a 7-2 all-time record vs. ACC teams in Bowl games.
Best Bet
Kirby Smart has an 8-2 career record in Bowls while Mike Norvell is just 1-3. With Jordan Travis out for the year, this spread can’t be high enough.
Georgia will dismantle Florida State in the Orange Bowl and prove the CFP committee right. Bulldogs cover (-14) with the UNDER 44.5.
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