It was announced on Sunday that the College Football Playoff would consist of No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Alabama. Mike Norvell, the coach Florida State who, despite being undefeated, finished the season, was not happy.
Norvell said among other things that he was disgusted and infuriated with the committee’s decision today.”
“What is the point of playing games? Do you tell players it is okay to quit if someone goes down? Do you not play a senior on Senior Day for fear of injury? Where is the motivation to schedule challenging non-conference games? We are not only an undefeated p5 conference champion, but we also played two P5 non-conference games away from home and won both of them.”
He later added that the Seminoles were “cheated today” and said it was “a sad day for college football.”
Mike Norvell statement: pic.twitter.com/vJ8exHb0QA
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 3, 2023
A lot of people agreed with Norvell’s commentary.
— Eric Mac Lain (@EricMacLain) December 3, 2023
I know it is just football but Norvell is right to be upset. The decision was partial and unfair. Period.
CFP was cowardly. They couldn’t stand up to the SEC and Alabama.
— Brian Kruckenberg (@briankruck) December 3, 2023
The only thing he didn’t do was call out ESPN by name. https://t.co/K6tqDTwLCr
— Sons of Killmonger & Disciple of Dark Brandon (@2Strong2Silence) December 3, 2023
Hard to disagree with any of this, honestly. https://t.co/7ZT47Vvwq7
— Steve Millar (@Millar_S) December 3, 2023
If #FSU truly want to make a statement and register their disgust at this farce, Line up for the kick-off at the "doesn't count for anything" Orange Bowl, and walk off the field.
If "we" don't matter, your consolation Bowls don't matter. https://t.co/1adDmWkK6D
— THE Bruce St. James (KTAR's version) (@TheBruceStJames) December 3, 2023
There was no debate that Michigan and Washington would be in the CFP after they won their respective conference championship games. The remaining spots would go to two of Texas, Alabama, Florida State and Georgia. Despite Kirby Smart’s pleas, Georgia had a tough path to the CFP after its loss to Alabama in the SEC Championship Game. Conversely, Big 12 champion Texas had a clear path as a one-loss team that defeated Alabama. That left the Crimson Tide and Seminoles vying for the final spot.
Alabama’s SEC Championship Game win over Georgia, who was No. 1 entering the game, was obviously a big pull for the Tide. Florida State, meanwhile, was undefeated, but lost quarterback Jordan Travis late in the year. CFP committee chair Boo Corrigan said that Travis’ injury was a deciding factor.
The Seminoles entered the week ranked No. 4 in the CFP, trailing only Georgia, Michigan and Washington. All four teams were unbeaten going into their respective conference championship games. Florida State, despite winning its final game, was jumped in the rankings by both Texas and Alabama, who were ranked No. 7 and No. 8, respectively.
[Nicole Auerbach on Twitter/X]
