Examining Florida State’s Surprising College Football Playoff Absence

by

Dec 4, 2023

The exclusion of the Florida State Seminoles from the college football playoff has sparked a heated debate, highlighting what many perceive as a glaring oversight by the selection committee. Despite their impressive season, the Seminoles’ absence from the playoff lineup is seen by many as a significant misstep, undermining the essence of competitive sports.

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Florida State’s performance this season has been noteworthy. They demonstrated resilience and skill, especially in overcoming the challenge posed by the absence of their star quarterback, Jordan Travis, down the stretch. Their triumph in Gainesville was a testament to their adaptability and grit. Furthermore, their commanding victory over Louisville in the ACC Championship game, where they won by double digits, adds to their impressive resume.

The Seminoles also have the distinction of defeating LSU and Jayden Daniels, a highly-touted quarterback projected to win the Heisman. This victory further cements their status as a formidable team. Additionally, their back-to-back victories over LSU, a powerhouse from the SEC, in consecutive years should have bolstered their case for inclusion in the playoffs.

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The criticism revolves around the perceived bias in the selection process. The argument is that teams from certain conferences, like the ACC, where the Seminoles play, are undervalued compared to others. This perceived bias seems to disregard on-field achievements, such as Florida State’s ACC championship and their defensive prowess, exemplified by holding Louisville to just six points.

Comparisons are drawn with other sports, where results on the field or court are the ultimate deciders, irrespective of background or previous performances. By contrast, the college football playoff selection process is seen as muddled with politics and subjective criteria, which detracts from the purity of the sport.

The exclusion of the Florida State Seminoles from the playoff sparks a broader discussion about fairness and the criteria used in the selection process. It raises questions about the importance of defense, the weight given to conference championships, and whether the current system truly reflects the competitive nature of college football. This situation has left many fans and analysts calling for a more transparent and equitable selection process.

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Thumbnail photo via Alicia Devine/Tallahassee Democrat / USA TODAY NETWORK

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