Bill Hancock of the College Football Playoffs reacts to Rick Scott regarding the Alabama vs. Florida State selection.
The college football community was greatly alarmed when Alabama, the undefeated Florida State, was placed ahead of Florida State in the College Football Playoff selection committee’s field of four. Additionally, it provided politicians with an opportunity to boast.
Among them was U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). Scott demanded information from CFP executive director Bill Hancock regarding FSU’s exclusion in a letter he sent to selection committee chair Boo Corrigan. Hancock responded on Friday, and Scott quickly shared it on social media.
Hancock provided two justifications for the Seminoles’ exclusion in the letter. He mentioned the selection protocol used by the committee and advised Scott to review it.
According to protocol, the Committee must consider how a team’s postseason performance might be impacted by the absence of important players, according to Hancock. Put simply, without its standout quarterback, Florida State is a different team. The Committee became convinced that four teams deserved to be ranked higher than FSU as a result of that.
Against North Alabama, Seminole quarterback Jordan Travis sustained a leg injury that ended his season. FSU was still able to triumph despite his absence, defeating Louisville in the ACC championship game.
Even so, Alabama, which was ranked eighth going into the SEC championship game, defeated Georgia, which was ranked first at the time, to overtake Florida State. In the Orange Bowl, the Seminoles and Bulldogs—who finished sixth in the final rankings—will square off.