The Florida State University Seminoles will be remembered in the history books. On Sunday, December 3, the Seminoles became the first undefeated power conference champion to be excluded from the College Football Playoff. Ultimately, the Seminoles was superseded by the University of Michigan Wolverines, the University of Texas Longhorns, the University of Washington Huskies and the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
“It’s unfathomable that Florida State, an undefeated Power Five conference champion, was left out of the College Football Playoff,” ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said.
“Their exclusion calls into question the selection process and whether the Committee’s own guidelines were followed, including the significant importance of being an undefeated Power Five conference champion.”
The Seminoles learned of their exclusion from the playoff hours after winning the 2023 ACC Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite losing their starting and backup quarterback to injury, the Seminoles stifled the fourteenth ranked Louisville Cardinals and won 16-6. However, it would not be enough for the College Football Playoff Committee.
“My heart breaks for the talented FSU student-athletes and coaches and their passionate and loyal fans,” Phillips continued.
“Florida State deserved better. College football deserved better.”
