Orange Bowl 2014: Most Important Players in Mississippi State vs. Georgia Tech

There are 22 players on the football field at all times, but some are clearly more important than others.

While everyone has to do their job in order to be successful, a competitive game is likely going to come down to the performances of a few key players on each side of the ball.

This year's Orange Bowl fits into this category—a matchup between two teams that were in contention for a conference title for much of the year. Both Mississippi State and Georgia Tech had great seasons, but they are hoping one more victory can help seal an outstanding year.

Although there will certainly be X-factors, these players will have the biggest roles in determining the outcome of the game.

5. Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State

Although his role has been reduced over the past few weeks with Brandon Holloway and Ashton Shumpert coming up big, it's important not to forget about Josh Robinson in this backfield.

The junior has rushed for 1,128 yards this season to rank third in the SEC. He averages 6.4 yards per carry and has made some highlight plays throughout the year.

When at his best, he takes pressure off the passing game with strong running between the tackles. If Mississippi State wants to be successful against Georgia Tech, the Bulldogs will need to give Robinson touches, and he will need to have a big game.

4. Jamal Golden, DB, Georgia Tech

Even with linebackers P.J. Davis and Quayshawn Nealy on the roster, Jamal Golden could have the biggest impact in this game. The junior safety covers a lot of ground in the secondary and always seems to be around the ball to make a big play.

Golden has four interceptions this season, including one returned 85 yards for a touchdown in a win over Clemson.

Of course, he also makes a big impact in the return game on both kickoffs and punts. Although he has not taken a kick back for a score this year, he still ranks fourth on the team with 62.2 all-purpose yards per game—despite never touching the ball on offense.

If Golden gets the ball in his hands in this matchup, he can make a game-changing play.

3. Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State

Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Benardrick McKinney leads the team in tackles, but the linebacker has struggled down the stretch. However, Preston Smith has been as consistent as they come, as noted by his season statistics.

Smith has 14.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and 15 quarterback hits. He also has two interceptions, just for good measure.

A triple-option offense like Georgia Tech's can do whatever it wants unless you get penetration into the backfield. This disrupts the blocking schemes and puts the quarterback at risk.

Smith can get that push off the snap and play a big role in slowing down the Yellow Jackets' attack.

2. Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

From relative unknown to Heisman candidate, Dak Prescott had a great season. Although he fell out of the national spotlight after losses to Alabama and Ole Miss, he is still a force with the ball in his hands.

Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson joked about what his team is in for in this game, via Manny Navarro of the Miami Herald:

"

Their quarterback may be bigger than our defensive linemen, so we’ll have to figure out a way to get him down. He’s quite the player. I was joking with somebody earlier, we probably have to stack [our quarterback] Justin [Thomas] up twice to get up to him.

"

Prescott's size is a big factor near the goal line, where he is often able to simply get the ball and pound his way into the end zone—helping him total 13 rushing touchdowns this year.

Still, he is a legitimate threat as a passer, as well, and he is difficult to stop no matter who is playing defense. If Georgia Tech doesn't bring its A-game, it could be a long day defensively.

1. Justin Thomas, QB, Georgia Tech

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Prescott might be the better overall player, but Justin Thomas is the most important person in this game because he is Georgia Tech's offense.

While Zach Laskey and Synjyn Days are quality running backs, Thomas is the engine that helps the offense run. He heads into the bowl season with a team-high 965 rushing yards while also adding 1,594 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions.

The triple-option offense is often difficult for young quarterbacks to figure out, but the sophomore has done a great job of making the right decisions with the ball all year.

If Prescott struggles, Mississippi State can probably still move the ball on the ground. If Thomas has a bad game, the Yellow Jackets will be finished.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.