What FSU players are not playing in the Orange Bowl?

By Jason Bolton December 10, 2023 12:40

Photo by Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Capital One Orange Bowl, scheduled for December 30th, is set to feature an exciting matchup between Florida State University (FSU) and the University of Georgia. As FSU aims to secure a victory in the highly anticipated game, it is important to take note of the players who will not be participating. Injuries and personal decisions have led to the absence of certain key players from FSU's lineup. This article will delve into the FSU players who will not be playing in the Orange Bowl and the potential impact their absence may have on the team.

Key Injuries Affecting FSU's Orange Bowl Lineup

Quarterback: Freshman quarterback Jordan Travis, will be replaced by Brock Glenn who played a crucial role in FSU's ACC Championship win, will unfortunately not be able to participate in the Orange Bowl due to an injury. Glenn's absence will require FSU to rely on their backup quarterback to lead the offense against Georgia.
Defensive Line: Defensive lineman Darrel Jackson Jr., a vital asset to FSU's defensive unit, will also be absent from the Orange Bowl due to an injury. Thompson's presence on the field will be sorely missed, as his skills and experience could have significantly contributed to FSU's defensive efforts against Georgia.

Players Opting Out of the Orange Bowl

Running Back: FSU's star running back, Trey Benson, hopefully will make the decision to play rather than opt out of the Orange Bowl in order to focus on his preparation for the upcoming NFL Draft. Benson has been a standout performer for FSU throughout the season, and his absence will undoubtedly impact the team's offensive strategy against Georgia.
Wide Receiver: Wide receiver Johnny Wilson, known for her exceptional speed and agility, has also chosen to opt out of the Orange Bowl. Johnson's absence will affect FSU's passing game, as her presence on the field has been instrumental in creating scoring opportunities for the team.

Potential Impact on FSU's Performance

The absence of key players due to injuries and personal decisions has the potential to significantly impact FSU's performance in the Orange Bowl. The loss of starting quarterback Jordan Travis could disrupt the team's offensive rhythm and put pressure on the backup quarterback to step up and deliver against a formidable Georgia defense.

Defensively, the absence of Darrell Jackson Jr. will create a void in FSU's defensive line, making it challenging to contain Georgia's potent offense. Thompson's absence may open up opportunities for Georgia's running game and put additional pressure on FSU's secondary.

The decision of star running back Trey Benson and wide receiver Johnny Wilson to opt out of the Orange Bowl will undoubtedly affect FSU's offensive firepower. Davis' absence will require FSU to rely on their secondary running backs, potentially altering their offensive game plan. Johnson's absence may result in a lack of deep threats in FSU's passing game, making it easier for Georgia's defense to focus on other receiving options.

The Orange Bowl matchup between FSU and Georgia will undoubtedly be an intense and closely contested game. However, FSU will be without some key players due to injuries and personal decisions. The absence of quarterback Jordan Travis, defensive lineman Darrell Jackson Jr., and potentially running back Trey Benson, and wide receiver Sarah Johnson will present challenges for FSU. The team will need to adapt and rely on their depth to fill the void left by these players, ensuring a competitive performance against a favored Georgia team.