The aftermath of the final College Football Playoff rankings announcement has left fans and pundits alike in a state of shock and disbelief, as the undefeated Florida State Seminoles found themselves on the wrong side of history.
Despite finishing the season 13-0 with an ACC title, the Seminoles were notably absent from the playoff field, marking the first time an undefeated Power Five Conference Champion was excluded since the playoff system’s inception nine years ago.
Seminoles ousted after losing QB Jordan Travis
Florida State Athletic Director Michael Alford minced no words in expressing his dissatisfaction with the decision, stating, “The consequences of giving in to a narrative of the moment are destructive, far-reaching, and permanent. Not just for Florida State, but college football as a whole.”
Alford argued against the false equivalence of the “most deserving OR best” debate, emphasizing the unwarranted injustice and disrespect shown to the 2023 Florida State Seminoles.
Boo Corrigan, the selection committee chairman, and athletic director at North Carolina State, Florida State’s ACC rival, explained the committee’s decision, pointing to the Seminoles’ change in dynamics after losing star quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending injury.
“Florida State is a different team than they were through the first 11 weeks,” said Corrigan.
Despite winning with a backup and third-string quarterback, the committee judged FSU without Travis as falling short of the top four teams in the country.
Florida State coach Mike Norvell expressed his strong disapproval, saying, “What happened today goes against everything that is true and right in college football.”
He lamented that the committee’s decision contradicted the essence of the sport, where a team overcoming adversity and finding ways to win on the field was seemingly disregarded.
Jordan Travis: I’m devastated
Star quarterback Jordan Travis, whose absence was a significant factor in the committee’s decision, expressed his devastation on social media: “Devastated. heartbroken… I am so sorry.”
Travis’s post highlighted the sentiment that the team’s 13-0 record and roster strength should have been undeniable factors in their favor.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips added his voice to the chorus of disapproval, stating, “Florida State deserved better. College football deserved better.”
The exclusion of Florida State has raised questions about the selection process, with concerns about whether the Committee’s own guidelines were followed, particularly regarding the significance of being an undefeated Power Five conference champion.
The controversy intensified as Alabama and Texas secured playoff spots, raising eyebrows and prompting unprecedented discussions about the fairness of the selection process.
The historic snub of the undefeated Florida State Seminoles leaves college football fans pondering the legitimacy of the playoff system and demanding answers in the wake of this unexpected turn of events.
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