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Florida State wound up on the wrong side of history this postseason following an unprecedented decision by the College Football Playoff. The ‘Noles were left out of the four-team field despite posting a perfect 13-0 record.
The omission sparked an immediate reaction from outraged fans, but now, action is being taken. Attorney General Ashley Moody has launched an investigation into FSU’s absence from the CFP.
The Seminoles became the first undefeated Power Five champion to miss out on an opportunity at a national championship in the playoff era. After going 13-0 and winning the ACC, they were spurned that chance due to an injury to starting quarterback Jordan Travis.
Instead, one-loss Alabama and Texas squads got the nod with the committee believing they boasted more complete rosters from top to bottom at this point in the year.
Players and coaches were dejected upon hearing that decision, while fans were predictably peeved.
Florida State’s omission immediately split the college football world.
There were those who sided with the CFP in its decision to leave FSU outside of the top four given its two most recent performances without Travis in the lineup. While the Seminoles won both games by two scores, the offense looked stagnant in both contests.
Then, there were those that believed the committee had diminished the outcome of the regular season. Why play the games if an opinion can be used to negate on-field results?
Boycotting the Orange Bowl has been a popular response for those upset fans, but more serious action is now being taken.
Attorney General opens investigation into CFP’s FSU omission
Lawmakers in the Sunshine State were quick to speak their minds on the decision, with many believing that there was motive behind leaving Florida State out.
Attorney General Ashley Moody is now acting on those complaints.
She took to social media Tuesday to announce she’d opened an investigation into the CFP for its FSU decision.
I’m a lifelong Gator, but I’m also the Florida Attorney General, and I know injustice when I see it. That is why we are fighting for the #Unconquered @FSUFootball team and demanding answers from the College Football Playoff Selection Committee.
In Florida, merit matters. If it’s… pic.twitter.com/DFlh7mmLWD
— AG Ashley Moody (@AGAshleyMoody) December 12, 2023
“What’s clear is the need for more information about the unprecedented decision made by a group of 13 individuals in secret,” Moody said. “This stunning decision not only disappointed millions of fans, but it cost this university and the ACC millions of dollars.”
Moody argues that selection process “reeks of partiality,” demanding the College Football Playoff committee turn over “all communications related to the deliberation.”
While this will sit well with those angry FSU supporters, not everyone in the state of Florida agrees with the investigation decision. Followers were split on the Attorney General’s message on social media.
“Well done. It was despicable what they did.”
“Even if you’re not an FSU fan, you should be angered by the illogical subjectivity and agenda pandering surrounding the CFP committee. It’s time for full transparency.”
“They aren’t one the best four teams in the opinion of the playoff committee. It’s not some crazy conspiracy theory we need to waste tax dollars on.”
“As a Floridian, I couldn’t think of a bigger waste of time and energy.”
“Yes, please spend millions of our dollars finding out why 18- and 19-year-olds don’t get to play football on New Years Day.”
We’ll see if Florida State gets the answers it’s looking for.