A chill wind blew across the college football landscape as the College Football Playoff Rankings were announced. An undefeated Florida State, 13-0, was left out in the cold. Even after producing a flawless season, the Seminoles found themselves on the outside looking in, their playoff dreams shattered like glass under the weight of an inexplicable decision.
The four teams that made the Playoff were Michigan (No. 1), Washington (No. 2), Texas (No. 3), and Alabama (No. 4).
Florida State’s exclusion marks the first time in the history of the Playoff that an undefeated conference champion from a Power 5 conference has been overlooked. As the sun sets on this chapter of college football, one can’t help but feel a sense of injustice. The decision casts a long shadow over the integrity of the sport.
The question that remains is why the Seminoles, despite their perfect record, were sidelined while Alabama, with its blemishes, was ushered into the playoff arena.
An Unprecedented Oversight by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee
In the hallowed halls of college football, the selection committee’s decision will echo for years to come. Despite the Seminoles’ dominance on the field, the committee chose to overlook their accomplishment, favoring the Crimson Tide. It’s a decision that has left fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
The offense struggled behind its third-string quarterback, but the Seminoles rallied and continued to pile up victories. Their resilience in the face of adversity, it seems, was not enough to sway the committee.
The Unfair Tilt of the Rankings
The choices of the college football committee in the past have always been a contentious issue, but this year’s decision takes the controversy to new heights. The omission of Florida State from the top four is akin to a referee missing a blatant foul in the dying seconds of a tied game.
Alabama, despite their one loss, was handed the golden ticket to the playoffs, an act that has left many questioning the objectivity of the selection process.
The “Power 5” Conference Champion Snubbed
Florida State’s exclusion marks the first time an undefeated Power 5 conference champion has been left out of the playoff. This snub is a bitter pill to swallow for the Seminoles, who fought tooth and nail to maintain their perfect record.
The decision sends a clear message to other Power 5 teams – perfection is no longer the gold standard. It’s a precedent that could shake the foundations of college football.
The Impact on Future Decisions
The selection committee’s decision to exclude Florida State could have far-reaching implications. It sets a dangerous precedent, one that says a perfect record is not enough to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
Future teams might now question the value of striving for perfection if it doesn’t result in an assured place in the playoffs. The committee’s decision has potentially changed the game forever.
The Echoes of Injustice in the College Football World
The echoes of this injustice will reverberate through the college football world for years to come. An undefeated Florida State left out of the playoffs is a scenario that few could have predicted.
'Disgusted', 'infuriated'
Florida State head coach Mike Norvell releases statement following FSU being left out of CFP pic.twitter.com/obLaxnSVRF
— Warchant.com (@Warchant) December 3, 2023
As the sun sets on this tumultuous chapter of college football, the sport finds itself at a crossroads. The decision to exclude Florida State from the playoffs has left a bitter taste in the mouths of many. It’s a decision that will, no doubt, be dissected and discussed for years to come.
In conclusion, the exclusion of Florida State from the College Football Playoff is a decision that has shaken the world of college football to its core. It’s a decision that will live in infamy, a stark reminder that even perfection can be overlooked.
