TALLAHASSEE - After an impressive 13-0 season and a victory in the ACC Championship Game, the Florida State Seminoles slipped to the fifth spot in the College Football Playoff rankings. Despite the setback, they will face off against the sixth-ranked Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl on December 30 at 4:00 p.m.

In a commanding defensive performance, the Seminoles secured their 16th ACC championship and fifth ACC Championship Game victory with a 16-6 win over the 14th-ranked Louisville Cardinals. The game featured a season-high seven sacks, 14 tackles for loss, and 10 pass breakups by the Florida State defense.

With their 13th win of the season, the 2023 Seminoles joined the 2013 National Championship team and the 2014 College Football Playoff team as the only 13-win teams in program history. Furthermore, their 19-game winning streak heading into the Orange Bowl matchup ranks as the second-longest winning streak in program history and third-longest in ACC history.

Florida State proved their strength by accomplishing the most wins over bowl-eligible Power 5 teams in the country, with eight victories. The team also set a program record by securing 25 All-ACC selections, representing every position. Their dominance also extended to leading the conference in first-team, second-team, and third-team selections.

Statistically, the Seminoles boasted exceptional defensive numbers, ranking first in opponent completion percentage, pass breakups, passes defended, and fewest turnovers. They also ranked second in sack yardage and third in total sacks. Additionally, their turnover margin was fifth-best in the nation, and they held the sixth-ranked scoring defense, giving up an average of 15.9 points per game. Offensively, Florida State led the ACC in scoring with 37.0 points per game, ranking 13th nationally.

The Orange Bowl holds historical significance for the Seminoles, as they hold a 5-5 record in the bowl game. In their most recent appearance in 2016, they clinched a victory against Michigan. The upcoming Orange Bowl matchup will mark the third time the Seminoles face the Georgia Bulldogs in a bowl game, with previous meetings in the 1984 Citrus Bowl and the 2003 Sugar Bowl.

Despite their drop in the playoff rankings, Florida State remains focused on finishing their extraordinary season on a high note as they prepare to take on Georgia in the highly-anticipated Orange Bowl.