Florida State made a mistake in the College Football Playoff, but after January 1, 2024, it won’t matter outside of Tallahassee, Florida.
Term it cronyism based on brand. Call it television network collusion at the super-conference. Reprimand the committee for stirring up trouble. Since the College Football Playoffs’ introduction in 2014 with four teams, this was the most difficult choice to make. It’s the incorrect decision at the core of competition.
No. 5 It was right that Florida State was in the College Football Playoffs. The Seminoles defeated LSU in a thrilling non-conference game, ended 13-0 in the ACC, and managed to pull off three wins despite losing starting quarterback Jordan Travis to a season-ending ankle injury. They lost to two one-losing teams, No. 3 Texas (11-1) and No. 4 Alabama (11-1) to become the first undefeated Power 5 champion to miss the CFP.
This sets a risky example for the future. Is it possible that a mega-brand would have received the same treatment? What if J.J. McCarthy of Michigan had been hurt in the Big Ten championship game versus Iowa? In the event that Quinn Ewers was doubtful for the Sugar Bowl, would Texas still be in? We all watched Ohio State backup quarterback Cardale Jones lead his team to a national championship run in 2014—how can you explain leaving out an undefeated team? It is inconceivable that the Seminoles would have been forced to settle for the Orange Bowl game versus No. 6 Georgia if the four-team era had continued past this season.
I take it the 12-team CFP will resolve the problem? Perhaps. Perhaps not. Examine the history.
In the poll era, Michigan and Washington would face off in the Rose Bowl for the national championship, with the Seminoles potentially earning a share of the title.
The Wolverines, Huskies, and Seminoles would be receiving what is known as the “Boise State treatment” if this were the BCS era. Will we respect the ACC in the 12-team College Football Playoff in that way? A better question would be: Did you truly believe Alabama wouldn’t be included?
In the four-team CFP era, a split national title could still occur if Texas and Alabama, each with one loss, go to the semifinals and Florida State defeats Georgia in the final.
