Crimson Tide Continues Playoff Streak: While four teams are reveling in the opportunity to vie for a national title, the undefeated ACC champion, Florida State, is left on the sidelines. Coach Mike Norvell expresses his discontent, calling it a decision that diminishes what they’ve earned on the field. He questions the purpose of playing games if a committee can override the game results. Norvell emphasizes the Seminoles’ status as the first undefeated Power 5 conference champions and questions the committee’s evaluation criteria.
ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips adds that the situation is unbelievable. Despite being undefeated and a P5 conference champion, the Seminoles are judged differently due to early quarterback injuries. Committee Chairman Boo Corrigan points out that without key players like Jordan Travis, the Seminoles are perceived as a different team, leading to their placement below Alabama.
Travis, ACC Player of the Year, suffered a season-ending injury, affecting the team’s dynamics. Backup Tate Rodemaker’s concussion further challenged them. Despite these setbacks, Florida State, now the 5th seed, faces the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs in the Capital One Orange Bowl on Dec. 30.
FSU’s athletic director, Michael Alford, condemns the decision, calling it an unwarranted injustice. He argues that the team’s dominant performance, even with a challenging quarterback situation, should enhance their playoff claim. Alford criticizes the committee’s departure from the traditional expectations of including undefeated Power 5 conference champions.
The exclusion raises questions about the selection process, with Phillips stating that it challenges the committee’s policies. He expresses sympathy for FSU’s players, coaches, and loyal fans, asserting that Florida State and college football deserve better.
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Despite the disappointment, Norvell highlights the team’s resilience and responsiveness, overcoming adversity. He acknowledges it as a sad day for college football. The exclusion’s impact is felt across sports, with coaches from other teams expressing empathy for the Seminoles’ situation.
Both Norvell and Georgia coach Kirby Smart shift focus to their Orange Bowl matchup, leaving behind the disappointment. Georgia’s pursuit of a third consecutive national championship was halted by a loss to Alabama, making them the first No. 1 team to fall out of the top four in the penultimate CFP rankings after a championship weekend loss.
The SEC’s dominance in recent national championships is noted, with Alabama continuing its streak of appearances in the College Football Playoff. The SEC has won the last four championships, with two instances of SEC teams facing each other in the title game.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Has Alabama ever lost a playoff game?
The 2023 season will be remembered with mixed emotions, despite the teams’ success. The Crimson Tide fell just short against the Michigan Wolverines in the 2023 Rose Bowl, marking their first semifinal game loss since the 2014-15 season.
How many times has Alabama been in the playoffs?
The Alabama Crimson Tide football team has a long history, having been part of the Southern Conference from 1921 to 1932. With an impressive all-time record of 965 wins, 337 losses, and 43 ties, they have proven themselves as a formidable force in college football. Additionally, their bowl record stands at 46 wins, 28 losses, and 3 ties, showcasing their consistency in postseason play. The team has also made 829 playoff appearances, further solidifying their status as a dominant presence in the sport.
Has Alabama Crimson Tide ever won back to back national championships?
In 2009, Saban steered Alabama to a flawless 140 record and secured its first BCS National Championship, along with its first national championship win since 1992. Despite a lackluster 103 season in 2010, Saban rallied the Tide to consecutive BCS National Championships in the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Can Crimson Tide make the playoffs?
Following their victory over Georgia in the SEC Championship on Saturday night, the CFP committee raised the Crimson Tide four spots in the rankings, securing their place at No. 4 in the 2023 College Football Playoff. Michigan, Washington, and Texas completed the top four.