The No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs will be bringing the Capital One Orange Bowl Trophy back to Athens after a dominating 63-3 win over No. 5 Florida State.
Both teams traveled to Miami-Gardens on Saturday undermanned as both programs dealt with injuries, pending transfers, and future NFL draftees. However, before the game Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart stressed to his team about the importance of finishing in what many fans would call a “meaningless” bowl game.
“I think finishing is important,” said Kirby during Friday’s press conference. “I don’t think enough people talk about it. The kids that love football, they want to play football and you got an opportunity to go play in the Orange Bowl and that’s not given to everybody.
Florida State, which is without 20 of its players including starting quarterback Jordan Travisand running back Lawrance Toafili due to injury, struggled to get anything going through the air or on the ground.
1⃣ 1⃣ dishing dimes to 8⃣ 8⃣@Brock1Glenn | @kentron_p #NoleFamily | #KeepCLIMBing pic.twitter.com/hh9WJTwOXK
— FSU Football (@FSUFootball) December 30, 2023
FSU’s third string quarterback Brock Glennconnected on 9 of his 26 passes and threw two interceptions. The Noles’ only score would come by way of a field goal from Redshirt Junior kicker Ryan Fitzgerald in the second quarter.
The Bulldogs defense held the Seminoles scoreless in the second half while finding the endzone nine different times. Georgia’s win spoils what could have been Florida State’s second 14-0 season. Georgia made history as the first team in college football history to win by a 60-point margin in a bowl game.
After the game, FSU head coach Mike Norvell praised his young players for their efforts against the two-time defending national champions.
“Pretty difficult night, it’s been a pretty difficult month to be honest with you,” said Norvell. “I’m proud of this football team and the work they’ve put in. I’m proud of what they’ve shown throughout the course of this season.”