The College Football Playoff selection committee announced on Sunday that Florida State, the unbeaten champions of the Atlantic Coast Conference, did not make the cut for this season’s championship. The decision caused disappointment and frustration among the Seminoles’ players and coaching staff.
Florida State had a strong resume, with notable wins against Louisiana State and Clemson. They also showed resilience in games where they were not at their best. However, injuries to key players, including star quarterback Jordan Travis, weakened their offense.
The committee’s decision to exclude an unbeaten conference champion from the playoff sparked controversy and raised questions about the transparency of the selection process. Many criticized the committee for prioritizing television ratings and viewership over meritocracy.
Despite the disappointment, next year’s expansion of the playoff to 12 teams offers hope for teams like Florida State. The current system, with its subjective decision-making, has often led to disputed champions and teams being left out.
The history of college football shows that the sport was once a regional affair, with conference champions earning their spots in prestigious bowl games. However, the introduction of the Bowl Championship Series and later the playoff system has brought more complexity and controversy to the sport.
Ultimately, the committee’s decision reaffirms the nature of college football as a televised beauty pageant, where off-field factors can heavily influence team selections. The exclusion of Florida State serves as a reminder that college football still has a long way to go in achieving a fair and transparent playoff system.