13-0 is a perfect record in college football. This record almost always guarantees a spot in the playoffs during post season. This is what Florida State football players and fans thought as well. After achieving a perfect record, the Seminoles were left out of the playoff picture. Heartbreak, anger, and frustration in Tallahassee over this decision. Many think that Florida State and head coach Mike Norvell should opt out of the Orange Bowl against Georgia.
The Right Idea?
While it is very unfortunate and upsetting, many college football fans think that this was the right idea. There have been arguments that the Seminoles were left out due to Jordan Travis’ leg injury. Florida State fans do not agree with this argument as they believe a team shouldn’t be punished due to one player. While both arguments make valid points, the results cannot be overturned. Alabama has taken the 4th spot in the college football playoffs which is where Florida State fans believe they should be.
Strength Of Record
While Florida state did have an impressive undefeated season, their strength of schedule may have determined the outcome. Florida State had a few impressive wins this season but not enough to make the playoffs. Not only did the Seminoles have key wins against LSU, but they also won the ACC championship and defeated a good football program in Duke. Alabama got the upper hand though because they defeated arguably the best team in the nation with Georgia. They also defeated talented teams like Tennessee and Mississippi which added to their resume. Florida State also barely scraped by teams like Boston College, Clemson, and Miami. All of those narrow victories come from teams who are unranked.
Norvell Not Pleased
Head Coach Mike Norvell was not happy about the college football playoff’s decision in keeping his team out. Norvell feels as if his team did everything that was asked of them to make the playoffs. ACC commissioner James Phillips also wrote a statement defending the Seminoles. Fans are upset, but this is the reality that they have to face and come to terms with. The next team on their schedule is the Georgia Bulldogs.
Orange Bowl
Both of these teams came short for the playoffs race and are still very talented. Georgia has a game changer in tight end Brock Bowers while Florida State has a star in Keon Coleman. If both players find a rhythm in this game, it could be a high scoring contest. The dilemma that Florida State is facing is their quarterback situation. Strong leadership will be needed to outlast a very talented Georgia team. Georgia and head coach Kirby Smart just came off of a 29-game win streak and 2 back-to-back national championships. It is safe to say that they will be coming for it all in this matchup.
Backing Out
Mike Norvell is upset about the playoffs and many fans think that the Seminoles should back out of the Orange Bowl. Whether or not Norvell decides this, it would still be a good game. Next season the Seminoles won’t have to worry about this happening again. This season is the last year for the 4 team playoffs. Next season the 12 team playoffs will begin. This will be the start of a season like none seen before. Teams now have more room for error as one loss does not eliminate your chances of getting in.
Future Playoffs
The new playoff bracket does not mean that teams should give less effort due to still getting in. This just means that one or two losses will still be in it potentially. If this bracket would have been this year, then the narrative for Florida State would have been different. Florida State still has a lot to look forward to in the near future. Norvell’s style of coaching and leadership has been proven to be successful in Tallahassee.
Recruiting
Florida State still has work to do in the recruiting side of things to prepare for next season. Jordan Travis will likely declare for the draft after this season concludes. They need players who bring versatility and talent to the table. This is what made Travis successful during his time as a Seminole. Mike Norvell knows that if he wants another shot at the playoffs next season recruiting will need to be above average.
Potential
This Florida State team is a young squad that can and will grow into their potential. They still have many young players who are talented but have never been through this level of play. As the seasons progress, it will be interesting to see how they improve to fit into their ideal play style. With Clemson having an average season as compared to previous years, it will be interesting to see if they give Florida State a run for their money next season. The ACC is filled with much talent on multiple teams.
Proving Doubters Wrong
Mike Norvell and the Seminoles have the potential to be back-to-back ACC champions next season. If they can pull this off then they could prove many doubters wrong. That would be a big accomplishment for Florida State as they have had some rocky past few seasons. Each season Norvell has found ways to improve this team. Fans in Tallahassee want this team to get back to what they were under coach Bowden. Mike Norvell can be the man to do this for the program and for fans of the program.
New Years Six
Although Florida State did not make the playoffs, they did make a New Years bowl game. These are called the “New Year’s Six Bowls.” These are considered the next best thing besides the playoffs. The matchup between Georgia is the best of the New Year’s Bowls. They will have a shot to prove to the committee why they should have been in the playoffs. It will be a challenging game for the Seminoles, but a much-needed win.
Crimson Tide vs. Wolverines
Alabama needs to prove themselves against Michigan in the Rose Bowl. A lot is at stake for the Crimson Tide since the committee put them in over FSU. Many believe that Alabama was the right choice in the playoffs due to their historic talent and coaching under Nick Saban. Now that the playoffs are set it will be interesting to see who ultimately prevails. Texas verses Washington will be another interesting matchup as both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks.
Star Quarterbacks
Quinn Ewers is a sensational quarterback for the Longhorns and could be a problem for the Huskies’ defense. On the other hand, Michael Penix Jr is looking to be a threat for Texas. Penix is a candidate for the Heisman and had the stats to back it up. Penix is a dangerous passer, and he is not too bad with the run game when needed. Fans may argue that Washington’s strength of schedule is weak, but they have proven themselves. It will all come down to who wants it more between these two powerhouses.
Playoff Madness
JJ Mccarthy and the Michigan Wolverines were shocked to find out that they weren’t facing the Seminoles. Although playing Alabama is not ideal for them, they need to lock in and prepare. The playoffs will be entertaining regardless of the outcome. Will Alabama gain the top spot in college football again? Fans may not agree with the playoffs committee, but it is all in the past and it is time to focus on the next games for teams.
