FSU football: Orange Bowl betting lines swell in Georgia's favor

FSU football likely would have been a touchdown or more betting underdog at full strength in the Orange Bowl against the Georgia Bulldogs. The loss of Jordan Travis was a big blow to FSU's offense, but they have one of the top defenses in college football. However, once the College Football Invitational Committee robbed FSU of its opportunity to continue on it National Championship quest, despite winning three games without Jordan Travis? The writing was on the wall. The committee communicated the first 13 games won didn't mean anything, and players with millions on the line didn't feel the need to risk their future in a meaningless game. FSU opened as 14-point betting underdogs, but each day it seems another key FSU player goes public with their decision to not play in the game(FSU fans have been aware of who'd likely not going to play).

However, Christmas Day news broke of backup QB Tate Rodemaker announcing he'll enter the transfer portal without playing in the Orange Bowl. That came as a surprise to most since he had been practicing, and it's literally the week of the Orange Bowl. FSU will have over 14 players that have been meaningful snaps this season not playing in the game, and the betting line has swelled to +17 in some betting places. Freshman Brock Glenn will make his second start this season. The first start was in his last game against previously ranked No. 14 Louisville. It was a rough outing for the youngster, who missed a big portion of the season with a hand injury suffered in the second game this season. I'm sure Georgia will have a few guys opting out, but we know their starting quarterback will play. Can FSU stay within the betting spread? Ultimately, nobody will remember this game, but it's a good chance for young guys to get experience for 2024.