But I believe that it will be closer than people suspect and that it should not be a shock if FSU wins.
Several reasons for this.
- FSU will want this game much more than Georgia. For them, they can make an unofficial claim to be the real champions as they will be undefeated, especially if Texas or Alabama wins it all. Expect FSU to be better prepared.
- Given that I expect all f the FSU players to play in this game but not the Georgia players. Those who are going to enter the draft will probably not participate in the Orange Bowl. I saw last year how Texas was hamstrung not having their starting and second-string running backs and the same is likely to happen to Georgia.
- FSU is not going to play their third string quarterback. It will be their second-string quarterback who was out on concussion protocol. There is a reason why Rodemaker is not the starter but their third-stringer could not throw a ball downfield to save his life and that will not be the case with Rodemaker. It will not be a great offense but it will be a competent one.
- FSU's defense is elite. That by itself can keep this a close game. Maybe Georgia wins 17-10 or something like that. Nobody can say that FSU does not have a championship-level defense. And when teams play those with great defense they generally play their offensive close to the vest because you do not want to turn over the ball and give up field position. Low-scoring games are close games.
So I think this will be a good game and not a blowout. And with a break or two do not be surprised if FSU wins this one.