Mike Norvell discusses Florida State's 'tough' opt-out decisions as Georgia's odds grow in Orange Bowl

Florida State opened as a 14.0-point underdog to Georgia in the Orange Bowl but has seen that spread grow to 18 points in some markets as opt-outs depleted the Seminoles' roster. Matt Zenitz reported Monday that quarterback Tate Rodemakerplans to enter the transfer portal, becoming the 15th Seminole to opt out of the matchup with the Bulldogs. 

"It's about the players that are here and the work that they put in," Norvell said Monday. "I'm grateful for every player that we have. Life is full of choices. The last month has been really challenging; coming off the championship game, there was a lot of emotion, and guys had to make tough and challenging decisions. But the guys that are here are excited about it and looking forward to the week of preparation and the competition that's ahead."

Florida State will be without its top three receivers in Keon Coleman, Johnny Wilson and Jaheim Bell. The three combined for 1,778 receiving yards and 15 of the team's 25 touchdowns through the air. Running back Lawrance Toafill is the only Seminole set to play in the Orange Bowl with 20+ catches on the season (21). Toafill is the only back on the roster with 50+ carries after leading rusher Trey Benson opted out and declared for the NFL Draft. Redshirt freshman Rodney Hill also entered the transfer portal. 

The defense is in better shape than the offense but will be without star pass-rusher Jared Verse and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett. Starting slot corner Jarrian Jones and safety Akeem Dent are opting out, along with linebacker DJ Lundy. Florida State will have starting linebackers Tatum Bethune and Kalen DeLoach and the rest of its starting secondary.

"The world will let fear affect it, life can be full of disappointing moments, and will always have competition," Norvell tweeted on Monday. "Be true and honest in the moment you then you can live with all the results. Excited and grateful for each opportunity #KeepCLIMBing#AllWeGotAllWeNeed."

"I empathize with anybody that goes undefeated and doesn't get in," Smart said. "I don't think there's another team that we would love to be able to compete against other than Florida State. I have so much respect for Mike, his staff, the job he's done there. To watch what he's done with that Florida State program is just incredible. This should be a great matchup. Two giants in college football across history and recently. I always worry about when you get in bowl games, the matchups you get to have. This matchup is really exciting. I know our players are pumped and excited when they found out today who we got to play."