Florida State’s hopes at making the Orange Bowl were all but shot after it lost its third ACC game of the season against Clemson, but Louisville’s sudden downturn has offered a glimpse of hope.
Still, entering Saturday, FSU’s hopes looked quite slim, as Louisville was hosting Kentucky, as a 28.5-point favorite. Given Louisville entered the day three spots ahead of the Seminoles in the College Football Playoff Rankings, a likely Louisville win would have kept the Cardinals ahead of the Seminoles, and en route to the Orange Bowl.
But Louisville was shocked at home in one of the biggest upsets of the year, losing to the Wildcats, 41-38.
Orange Bowl representatives are at the game Saturday evening against Florida. And while they do not have complete control over who plays in the game, there is no doubt that a game pitting the in-state Seminoles, with large alumni bases in nearby Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Tampa would make an attractive selection. The other opponent could be a team from the SEC or Big Ten, with the latter likely being the pick this year.
If FSU beats Florida, it’s possible the Seminoles move ahead of Louisville, and grab the spot in the Orange Bowl.