re: 2023 Orange Bowl Thread - Sat. Dec. 30, 4pm

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Florida State is missing most of its key pieces on offense due to opt-outs and injury, but most of one of the nation’s best defenses still is expected to play.

The big loss on that side of the ball is defensive end Jared Verse, a projected first-round draft pick.

Even with Verse opting out, the Seminoles have some players that can put pressure on Beck and the offensive line from a defense that ranks sixth in the nation in points allowed at 15.9.

Linebackers Kalen DeLoach (7 sacks) and Patrick Payton (6) and defensive lineman Braden Fiske (5) remain for a Florida State team that ranks third nationally in sacks with 45. Verse accounted for a team-high 9 of those.

Georgia still leads the SEC in fewest sacks given up with 12 even after giving up two to Alabama.

The Seminoles lead the nation in opponent completion percentage at 46.8 and pass breakups with 77. Cornerback Renardo Green led the ACC in pass breakups with 13.

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