For the first time in the history of the , an undefeated power conference champion was left out.
Florida State, sporting a 13-0 record and ACC title, was not selected to be one of the four teams vying for the championship. Instead, one-loss teams Texas and Alabama were chosen over the Seminoles.
Florida St. lost star quarterback Jordan Travis to a severe leg injury in a win over North Alabama on Nov. 18. That dimmed the team’s luster and opened the door for other considerations.
“To eliminate them from a chance to compete for a national championship is an unwarranted injustice that shows complete disregard and disrespect for their performance and accomplishments. It is unforgiveable,” Florida State athletic director Michael Alford said in a statement.
Also hurting was defending national champion Georgia, upset by Alabama in the SEC championship game on Saturday, snapping a 29-game winning streak.
Undefeated Michigan and undefeated Washington were given the top two seeds. Michigan will meet No. 4 Alabama and Washington faces No. 3 Texas.
Without Travis, Florida State struggled against 5-7 Florida last weekend with backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker, and had a hard time with Louisville in Saturday’s ACC title game.
Texas, the Big 12 champion which will move to the SEC next year, got in courtesy of its big September win at Alabama. It will be the Longhorns’ first playoff appearance.
This was the final year for the four-team championship selections. Next year, the list will expand to 12 teams.
