CFP committee reveals the truth behind Florida State’s playoff snub in bombshell 2 page letter
The controversy surrounding Florida State's exclusion from the College Football Playoff is still raging, even days after the decision. Many have criticized the CFP selection committee for omitting the Seminoles despite them having a better record than some teams that made the cut. The committee has now responded to the criticism through a letter.
The letter, from CFP executive director Bill Hancock, shed some light on the reasons behind the playoff snub for FSU. The letter came in response to an initial letter to the committee chairman Boo Corrigan about the issue.
Here are the points highlighted in the bombshell letter explaining the reasons behind the playoff snub for the FSU Seminoles.
“The protocol requires the committee to consider the unavailability of key players that may affect the performance of the team in the postseason. Simply put, Florida State isn't the same team without their star quarterback,” Hancock said in the letter.
“FSU’s strength of schedule was not as strong as the four teams ranked ahead of them. As I am sure you are aware, strength of schedule is a key metric the committee takes into consideration,” the letter pointed out.
The letter, addressed to Senator Rick Scott, goes on to state that there were eight teams, including the Seminoles, with an undefeated record that did not make the cut. However, Hancock did admit that it was the first time that an undefeated team from a Power 5 conference missed out on the playoff. Despite criticism, the committee staunchly defended its decision in the two-page letter.
The Florida State Seminoles were pipped to a playoff spot by Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama
The Seminoles finished the regular season with a 12-0 overall record and defeated the Louisville Cardinals in the ACC championship game, without star QB Jordan Travis.
Yet, they were pipped to a playoff spot by Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama. Both the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas Longhorns suffered one defeat, making Florida State's snub all the more surprising in the eyes of many fans and analysts.
The Crimson Tide will be up against No.1 Michigan Wolverines in the Rose Bowl and the Longhorns will play undefeated Washington Huskies in the Sugar Bowl. The winners will get a shot at the college football national championship title.