In a showdown between two college football powerhouses, the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs unleashed their dominance on the previously undefeated No. 4 Florida State Seminoles in an Orange Bowl matchup that left jaws dropping and records shattering. With creative play-calling, explosive offense, and an ironclad defense, Georgia reigned supreme, defeating Florida State with a resounding score of 63-3.
It was a clash of the titans who were left licking their wounds after narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff. Both teams had tasted glory in the past, but this year, destiny had other plans. However, in the Orange Bowl, they had one more chance to leave their mark and make a statement. And boy, did the Bulldogs seize their moment.
Led by quarterbacks Carson Beck and Gunnar Stockton, Georgia's offense operated like a well-oiled machine. Beck passed for 203 yards and two touchdowns, while Stockton added two more touchdowns to the scoreboard. The Bulldogs' offense was relentless, scoring on nine out of 12 drives and racking up an impressive 673 total yards.
Meanwhile, the depleted Seminoles couldn't catch a break. Devastated by opt-outs, transfers, and injuries, Florida State was missing over two dozen players, including key starters across their defensive front seven, running backs, and top receivers. Their depleted roster struggled to contain Georgia's offensive onslaught.
The Bulldogs' dominance was reflected in the halftime scoreboard, with a staggering 39-point lead. This marked the largest halftime lead in Orange Bowl history, surpassing West Virginia's 29-point advantage over Clemson in 2012. To make matters worse for the Seminoles, Georgia's victory also became their largest margin of defeat ever.
While Beck orchestrated the offense to perfection in the first half, it was Stockton who took the reins in the second half, picking up right where his counterpart left off. The freshman quarterback showcased his skills with 96 passing yards and 46 rushing yards, contributing to Georgia's historic victory. In fact, the Bulldogs became the first program to score over 55 points in back-to-back bowl games, as they had defeated TCU 65-7 in the Peach Bowl the previous year.
But it wasn't just the quarterbacks who stole the show. Running back Kendall Milton ran wild, amassing 104 yards on just nine carries, while finding the end zone twice. Daijun Edwards also made his mark with two rushing touchdowns and 62 rushing yards. These standout performances were part of a senior class that etched their names in the books, securing the Bulldogs' school-record 50th win.
However, one play that stood out among the many highlights was wide receiver Ladd McConkey's 27-yard rushing touchdown. It was a display of creativity and trickery, as McConkey caught a pass behind the line of scrimmage, pretended to attempt a pass, but ultimately took off running, weaving through stumbling Florida State defenders and ultimately finding paydirt. It was a play that encapsulated the Bulldogs' flair and innovation, solidifying their dominance.
On the other side of the field, the Seminoles felt the sting of exclusion from the College Football Playoff despite their undefeated regular season. They had claimed victories over formidable opponents all season long, including a triumph over then-No. 15 Louisville in the ACC title game. Unfortunately, injuries and setbacks had hampered their chances, leaving them out of the playoff picture.
Leading up to the Orange Bowl, Georgia's players empathized with the Seminoles' frustrations, having experienced similar disappointments themselves. Head coach Kirby Smart passionately advocated for the committee to consider his team's full body of work, highlighting their impressive winning streak, potent offense, and stalwart defense. But in the end, the committee's decision dashed the Bulldogs' hopes, fueling their desire to prove their worth on the field.
And prove themselves, they did. Possession by possession, the Bulldogs left no room for doubt. Their offense was explosive, their defense impenetrable. They intercepted Florida State's quarterback twice, recovered two fumbles, and limited their rushing attack to a mere 63 yards. It was a complete team effort that showcased Georgia's strength and resolve.
Looking ahead, the future appears bright for both teams. The Bulldogs will kick off the 2024 season against Clemson in Atlanta, with Carson Beck returning for his senior season. On the other hand, the Seminoles will start their 2024 campaign against Georgia Tech in Dublin, Ireland, marking a thrilling international showdown.
As the Orange Bowl came to a close, the Georgia Bulldogs celebrated a decisive victory. The creative and dominant display served as a reminder of their prowess and championship pedigree. Though they may have missed out on the College Football Playoff this time around, they sent a resounding message to the nation — the Bulldogs are a force to be reckoned with, and they won't soon be forgotten.
