The 2024 Orange Bowl witnessed a historic victory for the Georgia Bulldogs over the Florida State Seminoles, with the Dawgs securing a dominant 63-3 win. This outcome marked the Seminoles’ only loss of the 2023 season, capping off the Bulldogs’ season with a remarkable 13-1 record.
However, despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding Georgia’s triumph, questions arose regarding the legitimacy of their victory due to the significant number of opt-outs from the Florida State team.
The decision of numerous Florida State players to opt out of the Orange Bowl stemmed from the team’s disappointment in being excluded from the College Football Playoff.
The Seminoles, boasting a flawless 13-0 record, felt snubbed by the playoff committee’s decision to overlook them for the 4-team tournament. Consequently, many key players chose to forgo participation in the Orange Bowl, casting a shadow of controversy over the game’s outcome.
Former Florida State standout and current Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman emerged as a vocal critic, attributing the Seminoles’ opt-outs to Georgia’s failure to defeat Alabama in the SEC Championship.
Coleman suggested that had Georgia emerged victorious, Florida State would have been motivated to participate in the Orange Bowl, viewing it as a significant matchup to determine superiority between the two teams. He labeled the game as the “matter bowl,” insinuating that Georgia’s loss diminished the Orange Bowl’s importance in the eyes of Florida State players.
While Coleman’s comments stirred debate, many questioned the extent to which Georgia’s loss to Alabama influenced the Seminoles’ decision to opt out of the Orange Bowl.
Although Georgia’s defeat indirectly impacted the playoff picture, with Alabama securing the fourth spot, it remains uncertain whether Florida State’s participation would have drastically altered the game’s outcome.
Despite the controversy surrounding the opt-outs, Georgia’s resounding victory in the Orange Bowl solidified their successful season, leaving a mark in college football history.
