FSU enters Orange Bowl showdown with next-man-up mentality • Hard feelings for CFP snub linger, but FSU trying to move forward
Sentinel Sports Final Saturday, December 30, 2023 | | |
| | How Banchero, Wagner lifted short-handed Magic over Knicks | FSU enters Orange Bowl showdown with next-man-up mentality | Sellers and Avery power UCF men's basketball past Bethune-Cookman | | The Magic were down to 10 active players against the Knicks on Friday but that didn't slow down Orlando in the home victory. | | | FSU enters the game shorthanded with more than 25 players opting out either to enter the transfer portal or to prepare for the upcoming NFL draft. A dozen of those were starters, including running back Trey Benson (905 yards), receivers Johnny Wilson (617) and Keon Coleman (658) and pass rusher Jared Verse (12.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks). | | | FSU has won 19 consecutive games dating to last season and claimed its first ACC title since 2014. It's a 180-degree change from when the Seminoles won 41% (19-27) of their games between 2018-2021. The turnaround can be attributed to Norvell, who has put the program on the verge of its first undefeated season since 2013. | | | In a game with almost as many total punts (16) as points, the Tigers (11-2) scored touchdowns on consecutive drives after punting eight times before that, with Brady Cook throwing a 7-yard TD to Luther Burden III with 5:12 left to secure the 14-3 victory. | | | Among Boys basketball winners were Lake Highland Prep, Olympia, Oviedo, Mount Dora Christian Academy and Seminole. St. Cloud, Timber Creek and Boone added girls basketball wins. | | | The Jaguars have been hesitant to call any previous game a must-win situation. They don't have much choice now. Jacksonville is downright desperate heading into its home finale against Carolina on Sunday. | | | UCF (9-3) earned its 15th straight victory in the series against B-CU (5-7). | | | The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Marshall joined the program after transferring from Kent State last December. He started 11 of the team's 13 games but really demonstrated his versatility this season, seeing time at left guard, right guard and right tackle. | | | The 30-day window for the NCAA transfer portal began Dec. 4. Coming off a 5-7 season, Florida will aim to address pressing needs with veteran players seeking a change of scenery and playing opportunity. | | | Clemson (9-4) outscored Kentucky (7-6) 28-14 in the 4th quarter. | | | |
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