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Greg McElroy is receiving online criticism due to his flip-flopping opinion on Florida State. The college football analyst lobbied for the Seminoles to get a spot in the CFP before decision day.
His tune changed after seeing Alabama get the final seed.
A few days before FSU’s ACC title matchup with Louisville, McElroy said the following:
“If it’s the four best, then why do we play the games?… I look at the idea of an undefeated Power 5 team being left out as an absolute travesty.”
“If it’s the four best, then why do we play the games?… I look at the idea of an an undefeated power 5 team being left out as an absolute travesty.” – @GregMcElroy 4 days ago
Great find, @jacksonbakich.
— TJ Pittinger (@TJ_Pittinger) December 5, 2023
Many shared that opinion, which is why the committee’s decision to leave the ‘Noles out of the playoff field was so controversial. An unprecedented choice, Florida State became the first undefeated P5 conference champ to not compete for a national championship in the CFP era.
Why play out the regular season if the committee can ultimately overrule to create the matchups they believe to be the most marketable?
Greg McElroy appeared to be in that same boat before Florida State’s win over Louisville, but something apparently changed.
After seeing Alabama get the fourth and final spot, the former Crimson Tide quarterback backed the committee on Selection Sunday.
5 days ago: @GregMcElroy said, “We don’t even need to entertain the idea of a one loss team jumping them, à la Texas and Alabama.”
Today: “It should be Alabama.”
Unless this man completely changed his way of thinking in 5 days, it’s clear what the narrative is here from ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rmX75UUjX0
— TJ Pittinger (@TJ_Pittinger) December 4, 2023
He doubled down after the decision was made official.
“I’m not shocked with how Florida State played the last couple weeks,” McElroy said. “It’s understandable… They put in the four best teams, which is not an easy thing to do. I tip my cap to the committee.”
Here’s the College Football Playoff field reveal on the ESPN Selection Show, followed by Greg McElroy’s reaction. 🏈🏆📺 pic.twitter.com/qoURdSbUZE
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 3, 2023
A sudden change of heart, or caving to an ESPN narrative?
Most who are critical of the selection believe TV ratings were the deciding factor, not Jordan Travis’s injury. Kirk Herbstreit’s lobbying for the Crimson Tide before the setback somewhat solidified that feeling.
Lawmakers in Florida are already exploring legal action, though it may be tough to prove a case of collusion against the Seminoles.
With the omission, FSU lands in the Orange Bowl where they’ll face two-time reigning champion Georgia.