The Florida State Seminoles have been left feeling bitter and disappointed after being excluded from the College Football Playoff, despite being undefeated champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference. This unprecedented decision has sparked outrage and calls for action from fans and officials alike.
The Seminoles were originally slated to play No. 1 Michigan in the prestigious Rose Bowl, but were unexpectedly bumped down to No. 5 and scheduled to face No. 6 Georgia in the Capital One Orange Bowl. This sudden change has left the team feeling robbed and powerless.
ESPN’s Booger McFarland expressed his frustration, calling the situation a “travesty to the sport.” He argued that the purpose of the game is to win, and Florida State had accomplished that feat without any losses. The committee’s decision to exclude them based on subjective criteria, rather than their on-field performance, is deeply troubling.
One of the primary reasons for Florida State’s exclusion is their lack of depth at the quarterback position. In 2014, Ohio State faced a similar predicament when they lost their starting and backup quarterbacks to injuries. However, their third-string quarterback, Cardale Jones, stepped up and led the team to a resounding victory in the Big Ten Championship Game. This impressive display of resilience and talent ultimately led Ohio State to win the national championship as the No. 4 seed.
Unfortunately, Florida State’s freshman third-string quarterback, Brock Glen, did not have the same impact in their recent game against Louisville. His performance highlighted the team’s weakness and lack of options at the quarterback position. This ultimately contributed to the committee’s decision to exclude them from the playoff.
The situation also underscores the importance of semantics in the selection process. The committee has long claimed to choose the four most deserving teams, rather than the “four best teams.” However, in this final year of the four-team playoff, they finally prioritized the “four best teams,” leaving Florida State on the outside looking in.
ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, FSU Athletic Director Michael Alford, and head coach Mike Norvell have all expressed their dissatisfaction with the committee’s decision. Some lawmakers in the state are even discussing potential legislation to protest this exclusion.
However, despite the outcry and frustration, the reality is that the committee made their decision based on what they believed to be the best teams. Oddsmakers even suggested that Michigan would have been a 13-point favorite over Florida State. This further reinforces the committee’s decision to exclude them.
While it may be difficult to accept, sometimes your best simply isn’t good enough. However, this situation also serves as a reminder that you have the power to dictate how others treat you. In this case, Florida State has the option to boycott the Orange Bowl as a way to send a message to the college football establishment. While two wrongs don’t make a right, it can provide a sense of empowerment and satisfaction.
In the end, the exclusion of Florida State from the College Football Playoff is a bitter pill to swallow. However, it presents an opportunity for the team and its fans to take a stand and demand change. Whether or not they decide to boycott the Orange Bowl, their frustration and disappointment will undoubtedly fuel their motivation to come back stronger next season.
