Florida State's Leading Rusher Opts-Out of Orange Bowl

Trey Benson, Florida State's leading rusher, has opted-out of the Orange Bowl.

While Georgia is dealing with its fair share of roster challenges leading into its Orange Bowl matchup with Florida State, the Seminoles will not be at full strength either, as leading rusher Trey Benson announced his decision to opt-out of the Orange Bowl and declare for the 2024 NFL draft. 

Experience of a lifetime, thank you Florida State ❤️ #NoleFamily pic.twitter.com/pmkbAr293I

— Trey Benson (@trey_uno1) December 17, 2023

In two seasons in Tallahassee, the Greenville, Mississippi native totaled 1,895 rushing yards and averaged 6.1 yards per rush, leading the Seminoles in rushing both seasons. This season, Benson rushed for 904 yards and 14 touchdowns and hauled in 20 passes for 227 yards. With third-leading rusher Rodney Hill opting to enter the NCAA, Florida State will likely turn to Lawrence Toafili to shoulder the load at running back against Georgia in the Orange Bowl. As a redshirt junior this season, Toafili was the Seminoles leading rusher with 463 yards, but the St. Petersburg, Florida native led the team with 6.7 yards per rush. 

With First Team All-ACC quarterback Jordan Travis sidelined with a leg injury that he suffered in Florida State's game against North Alabama on Nov. 18 and second-leading receiver Johnny Wilson already opting-out of the Orange Bowl, the Seminoles were likely to lean heavily on the run game against Georgia, however, Benson's decision to opt-out has certainly complicated those plans. 

Georgia and Florida State will square off in the Orange Bowl in Miami on Dec. 30 with kickoff set for 4:00 PM ET. 

Dec 2, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Trey Benson (3) runs the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the fourth quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports / IMAGN

Other Georgia News:

• Georgia Football Roster Movement Tracker - A Crazy Offseason Set to Ensue
• Georgia Opens as Multiple Score Favorite Over Florida State in Orange Bowl
• Georgia Ranks No. 6 in Final CFP Rankings

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