Paul Finebaum claims Jordan Travis injury could take FSU out of CFP race - "I think it hurts them badly"
Quarterback Jordan Travis' injury proved to be a bitter moment in the Florida State Seminoles' 58-13 blowout victory over North Alabama on Saturday. Losing Travis casts a shadow over their College Football Playoff aspirations.
On SportsCenter, analyst Paul Finebaum emphasized the significant setback to Florida State’s playoff chances.
Finebaum acknowledged the potential sympathy from the committee regarding Travis’ injury but cautioned that this sentiment might not be enough, especially if other undefeated teams maintain their dominance. He said:
"I think it hurts them badly," he said. "It could even knock them out of the playoff in spite of what they do the rest of the way, winning next week against Florida and, obviously, against Louisville in the ACC Championship Game."
One major demerit that Finebaum believes is that Florida State doesn’t belong at the same table as other unbeaten teams. He said:
"The problem is they have good wins, they don’t have great wins, and other schools will have great wins along the way," he said. "So, as bad as it hurts Florida State, they’re going to have to hold on and hope right now that some other schools lose."
Jordan Travis has been a treat for the Florida State Seminoles (11-0, 8-0 Atlantic Coast) this season. The quarterback has managed 2,755 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Jordan Travis injury update
Quarterback Jordan Travis’ leg injury against North Alabama has jeopardized his Heisman hopes. The injury occurred in the first quarter when a rough tackle forced Travis to be carted off the field in his final home game. The Seminoles were trailing 13-0 at the time.
According to reports, the NFL is attempting to ban the hip-drop tackle move that brought Travis down, with the left leg of the sixth-year senior twisting awkwardly.
Coach Mike Norvell expressed the impact of the injury.
“Jordan is so, so important to this team, and not just as the quarterback, but just who he is and what he stands for. It was emotional. It was emotional for everybody. Can't say I blocked it out.”
Travis said "he's feeling good" in an Instagram post on Sunday.
The fifth-ranked Seminoles, who are fourth in the CFP ranking, now face tough challenges against the Florida Gators (5-6) of the Southeastern Conference in their regular-season finale and the ninth-ranked Louisville Cardinals (10-1) in the ACC title game.
They will have to navigate the rest of the season without their on-field leader.