How FSU's 2023 Snub Influenced 2024 College Playoff Decisions

The College Football Playoff (CFP) selection process is always a hot topic, but this year it has taken an even more intriguing turn.

For the second consecutive year, the final spot in the College Football Playoff came down to Alabama and an ACC championship game participant.

This time, however, it was the ACC runner-up SMU that edged out Alabama for the final spot in the newly expanded 12-team field.

The decision has sparked widespread debate and speculation, particularly concerning the potential influence of last year’s controversial exclusion of Florida State University (FSU).

Renowned sports commentator Paul Finebaum believes that the so-called “FSU hangover” from 2023 played a significant role in the committee’s decision-making process this year.

Let’s dive into the details and implications of this controversial selection.

Table of Contents

The Controversial Exclusion of Alabama

In a decision that has left Alabama fans fuming, the Crimson Tide was edged out of the College Football Playoff by ACC runner-up SMU.

Despite Alabama’s strong performance this season, the selection committee opted to give the final spot to SMU.

SMU had lost the ACC title game to Clemson on a last-second field goal. This decision came as a shock to many, especially considering Alabama’s storied history and consistent performance in the playoffs.

Immediate Reactions

The selection committee’s move drew immediate backlash from Alabama fans, including Crimson Tide Athletic Director Greg Byrne.

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Byrne suggested that the CFP’s decision could lead to a reassessment of Alabama’s future non-conference scheduling.

Meanwhile, fans from the ACC and even some SEC rival fanbases wasted no time celebrating Alabama’s exclusion from the playoffs.

This reaction was not lost on Paul Finebaum, who suggested that the immediate backlash from FSU fans last year may have influenced the committee’s decision this year.

According to Finebaum, the committee may have been wary of repeating the controversy that surrounded FSU’s exclusion in 2023, which had left a lasting impression on the college football community.

Paul Finebaum’s Perspective

Paul Finebaum, the well-known SEC Network host, has been vocal about his views on this year’s College Football Playoff selection process.

Speaking on the McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning show, Finebaum suggested that the “FSU hangover” from last year had a significant impact on the committee’s decision-making process.

The Influence of the FSU Hangover

Finebaum pointed out that the ACC was at the center of this year’s College Football Playoff conversation.

He believes that the committee’s decision to include SMU over Alabama was influenced by the backlash they faced last year after excluding an undefeated FSU team.

The committee may have been keen to avoid a similar controversy this year, especially given the expanded 12-team format.

Finebaum also highlighted that if Alabama had been included in the playoff, it would have devalued the importance of conference championship games.

By selecting SMU, the committee sent a clear message about the significance of these games, further validating the ACC’s performance this season.

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The Implications for the ACC and SEC

The inclusion of two ACC teams in the playoff field is a significant development, especially considering the SEC’s dominance in recent years.

The ACC’s representatives, SMU and Clemson, will face tough matchups in the first round.

SMU will take on Penn State, while Clemson will go up against Texas.

Pressure on SMU and Clemson

Finebaum noted that there is considerable pressure on both SMU and Clemson to perform well in the playoffs.

If SMU suffers a heavy defeat to Penn State, it could undermine the ACC’s credibility.

Similarly, if Clemson loses to Texas, it would mark their third loss to an SEC team this season, further complicating the ACC’s standing.

Looking Ahead: Key Matchups and Predictions

The upcoming playoff games promise to be thrilling, with several key matchups that could have significant implications for both the ACC and SEC.

The SEC champion Georgia will face the winner between Notre Dame and Indiana in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal.

Meanwhile, SMU and Clemson will look to prove their worth against tough opponents.

Georgia’s Quest for Glory

As the SEC champion, Georgia enters the playoffs with high expectations.

They will face the winner of the Notre Dame vs. Indiana matchup in the Sugar Bowl quarterfinal on January 1.

Georgia’s performance in this game will be closely watched, as they seek to uphold the SEC’s reputation and make a deep run in the playoffs.

SMU and Clemson’s Challenges

SMU’s matchup against Penn State will be a significant test for the ACC runner-up.

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A strong performance could validate the committee’s decision to include them in the playoff field, while a heavy defeat could raise questions about the ACC’s overall strength.

Clemson, meanwhile, faces a tough challenge against Texas.

A win would be a significant boost for the ACC, but a loss would mark their third defeat to an SEC team this season, further complicating the conference’s standing.

Conclusion

The College Football Playoff selection process is always a topic of intense debate. This year has been no exception. The exclusion of Alabama in favor of ACC runner-up SMU has sparked widespread discussion and speculation. Paul Finebaum’s insights into the potential influence of last year’s FSU controversy add an intriguing layer to the conversation.

As we look ahead to the upcoming playoff games, the performances of SMU and Clemson will be closely watched. Their success or failure could have significant implications for the ACC’s credibility and the future of the College Football Playoff selection process.

For more details on this topic, you can read the full article on Paul Finebaum’s perspective on the 2024 College Football Playoff Committee.

Joe Hughes is the founder of CollegeNetWorth.com, a comprehensive resource on college athletes' earnings potential in the NIL era. Combining his passion for sports with expertise in collegiate athletics, Joe provides valuable insights for athletes, fans, and institutions navigating this new landscape.

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