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The Florida State roster will look much different this bowl season given opt outs for the Seminoles’ matchup vs. Georgia. The team could be without more than half of its two-deep lineup, which includes a ridiculous number of starters.
The news has many bracing for a disappointing end to the FSU season in the Orange Bowl.
Despite posting a perfect 13-0 record and winning the ACC, Florida State was left out of the College Football Playoff. The ‘Noles became the first undefeated Power Five champ to be omitted from the four-team field.
The committee’s reasoning behind putting a one-loss Alabama team in over the Seminoles referenced an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis, though many believed there was an ulterior motive.
The absence led to a domino effect throughout the sport, most notably an investigation into the decision-making process and a lawsuit against the ACC.
It’s also deemed the upcoming Orange Bowl ‘meaningless’ from the Florida State perspective.
With a national championship off the table, a number of players have opted not to play in the postseason matchup against the Bulldogs.
FSU without starters for Orange Bowl.
Whether due to transfer or NFL Draft preparations, the Seminoles could be without up to 23 of their 44 first- and second-string contributors. That includes 15 starters at the time of this writing.
Travis’s absence is the most notable, and it was only compounded by backup Tate Rodemaker’s decision to enter the transfer portal over the weekend.
SOURCE: FSU QB Tate Rodemaker, who took over after Jordan Travis was injured and lost for the season, has told the Noles staff that he plans to enter the portal and that he will not play in the Orange Bowl vs Georgia. @Mzenitz first reported the news.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 25, 2023
Other starters include top rusher Trey Benson, top tight end Jaheim Bell, and top wideouts Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson. The defensive side of the ball doesn’t look much better.
Head coach Mike Norvell reacted to the mass exodus with a cryptic post on social media, but his motivation might not be enough to will his team to a win over Georgia.
Many are predicting a blowout.
That game was already heading toward bloodbath territory with all FSU’s opt outs. https://t.co/3RdtaoMKDw
— Stewart Mandel (@slmandel) December 25, 2023
If there is a bright side, it’s that the Bulldogs are also dealing with their fair share of opt-outs heading into the Orange Bowl. We’ll see if the ‘Noles can keep it close.