Report: Florida State RB Lawrance Toafili out for Orange Bowl due to injury

Florida State running back Lawrance Toafili has been ruled out for the Orange Bowl, according to a report from Noles247. He suffered a season-ending injury, and will miss the game against Georgia as a result.

Toafili was Florida State’s second-leading rusher during the regular season, totaling 463 yards on the ground to go with four touchdowns. He also hauled in 21 receptions for 183 yards and a touchdown in the passing game.

Lawrance Toafili was likely to see more of a workload in the bowl game after Trey Benson opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. He also recently announced his decision to return to FSU next season through the school’s Battle’s End NIL collective, which is a big boost for the Seminoles’ running back room.

Florida State got some more bad news with the release of Tuesday’s Orange Bowl depth chart. Two key defenders — Jarrian Jones and Renardo Green — both opted out of the game, as well.

Jones was the Seminoles’ leader in interceptions this season, picking off three passes — including a pick-six against Southern Miss. Green, meanwhile, had a team-high 13 passes defended while adding 43 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Neither player showed up on the depth chart, although Jones previously said he was planning to play despite declaring for the draft.

Florida State has seen multiple key playmakers opt out of the bowl game against Georgia, including running back Trey Benson and wide receiver Keon Coleman. Quarterback Tate Rodemaker is also going to miss the game after deciding to enter the transfer portal, meaning Brock Glenn is set to get the start.

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.”

Florida State and Georgia will square off in the Orange Bowl Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. ET.