Georgia vs Florida St prediction, odds: Orange Bowl preview

The No. 5 Florida State Seminoles will be shorthanded when they put their undefeated record on the line against the No. 6 Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl on Saturday from Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Florida State (13-0) comes into the game off the disappointment of being passed over for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Instead, the committee chose the Alabama Crimson Tide, who finished 12-1 and won the SEC.

Disappointment could accurately describe the Seminoles' depth chart going into Saturday’s contest after roughly 20 players opted out of the game. Florida State will be without its top two quarterbacks, leaving true freshman Brock Glenn to make his second start. In addition, Florida State will be without its top three running backs, top two wide receivers, two tight ends and top offensive line reserve. The defense will be without starting pass rusher Jared Verse, starting defensive tackle Fabian Lovett, starting cornerbacks Jarrian Jones and Renardo Green and starting safety Akeem Dent.

Georgia (12-1) has had over a dozen players enter the transfer portal and it will likely have some depth issues in the secondary. All-American tight end Brock Bowers is not expected to play, nor is starting offensive tackle Amarius Mims. However, the Bulldogs will have most of their starters available, including quarterback Carson Beck and top defenders Kamari Lassiter and Javon Bullard.

Georgia will be looking to cap off a three-year run that included two College Football Playoff championships and a 29-game win streak. Florida State is currently riding a 19-game win streak.

Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, lists the Bulldogs as near three-touchdown favorites with a total set at 44.5.

Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends:

Florida State Seminoles (13-0) vs. Georgia Bulldogs (12-1)

Time/TV: Saturday, Dec. 30, at 3 p.m. (ESPN)

Point spread (from Caesars): Georgia -20

Over/Under: 44.5

Moneyline: Georgia -1400, Florida State +800

Analysis: This spread has gone through the roof since FSU players began opting out. It opened at Georgia -13.5 and was 17.5 as late as Wednesday night. Now, it might continue to climb before kickoff.

The Seminoles aren't going to back down, despite their lack of experienced playmakers, but they are going to have major depth issues with nearly every starter and several key reserves unavailable. Florida State's defense is probably going to be competitive enough that Georgia can’t name its score, but it’s hard to see any path for the Seminoles' offense to have success.

Prediction: Georgia 24, Florida State 6 (Under 44.5)

Best bet: Under 44.5 (-110 via Caesars Sportsbook)