Florida State WR Kentron Poitier, CB Fentrell Cypress exit Orange Bowl with injuries

Florida State wide receiver Kentron Poitier and cornerback Fentrell Cypress left Saturday’s Orange Bowl with injuries in the first half. They headed to the locker room during the second quarter.

Cypress was one of Florida State’s biggest transfer portal acquisitions over the offseason and ranked fourth on the team with eight passes defended entering Saturday’s game. He also had 37 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss through 13 appearances heading in.

Poitier, meanwhile, was likely to see an increased role in the passing game with Keon Coleman and Johnny Wilson opted out. He had just two receptions on the season for 52 yards entering the Orange Bowl.

With the other opt-outs and injuries Florida State is dealing with, it went from bad to worse for the Seminoles, who were looking to complete an undefeated season.

It was all Georgia through the first half of the game as the Bulldogs took a commanding 35-3 lead. Florida State is dealing with multiple key opt-outs, in addition to the injuries, and struggled mightily against a UGA team that still has some notable playmakers — even without Brock Bowers due to injury.

Georgia then capitalized on a key FSU turnover, scoring its sixth touchdown of the first half to extend the lead to 42-3 heading into halftime.

Florida State has seen multiple key playmakers opt out of the bowl game against Georgia, including Coleman and running back Trey Benson. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker is also going to miss the game after deciding to enter the transfer portal, meaning Brock Glenn got the start. Through the first half, Glenn completed just 7-of-22 passes for 121 yards and an interception while facing a staunch Georgia defense.

Regarding the amount of opt-outs, Florida State coach Mike Norvell pointed out the tough nature of those decisions. However, he made it clear he was rallying behind the players who will participate in the game and who were on the flight to Fort Lauderdale on Christmas.

“It’s about the players that are here and the work that they put in,” Norvell said, via On3’s Warchant. “I’m grateful for every player that we have. Life is full of choices, and … the last month has been really challenging. Coming off the championship game, a lot of emotion, guys having to make tough and challenging decisions. But the guys that are here, I know we’re excited about it and looking forward to the week of preparation and the competition that’s ahead.”