Florida State University’s football team has been one of the most successful and consistent programs in the nation for decades. The Seminoles have won three national championships, 18 conference titles, and produced numerous NFL stars. However, this season, they have been overlooked and underrated by the media and the College Football Playoff committee, despite having a remarkable record and performance.
The Seminoles Overcome Adversity and Prove Themselves on the Field
The 2023 season has been a challenging one for Florida State, as they had to deal with several obstacles and setbacks. The team had to cope with the loss of their head coach Mike Norvell, who left for LSU after leading the Seminoles to a 10-2 record and an ACC championship in 2022. They also had to face a tough schedule that included games against Notre Dame, Clemson, Miami, and Florida. Moreover, they had to endure the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected their practice and preparation.
Despite all these difficulties, the Seminoles have shown resilience and determination on the field. They have won 11 games out of 12, with their only loss coming against Notre Dame in a close 31-28 contest. They have defeated Clemson for the first time since 2014, ending the Tigers’ six-year reign in the ACC. They have also beaten Miami and Florida, reclaiming the state supremacy and the bragging rights. They have scored an average of 38.8 points per game, ranking fourth in the nation, and allowed only 18.4 points per game, ranking 12th in the nation. They have been led by their dynamic quarterback Jordan Travis, who has thrown for 3,142 yards and 28 touchdowns, and rushed for 1,024 yards and 12 touchdowns. He has been a Heisman Trophy finalist and a consensus All-American.
The Seminoles Face Bias and Disrespect from the Media and the Committee
However, despite their impressive season, the Seminoles have not received the recognition and respect they deserve from the media and the College Football Playoff committee. They have been ranked lower than other teams with worse records and weaker schedules, such as Alabama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma. They have been criticized for their close wins and their perceived lack of quality opponents. They have been ignored and dismissed by the national pundits and analysts, who have focused more on the teams from the SEC and the Big Ten.
The Seminoles have faced a clear bias and disrespect from the media and the committee, who have been influenced by recency bias, weather, and other factors. Recency bias is the tendency to give more weight to recent events and information, rather than the whole picture. The media and the committee have been swayed by the recent dominance of the SEC and the Big Ten, and have overlooked the long-term success and tradition of Florida State. Weather is another factor that has affected the perception and evaluation of the Seminoles.
The media and the committee have favored the teams from the colder and harsher climates, and have underestimated the teams from the warmer and milder climates. They have assumed that playing in the cold and the snow is more difficult and impressive, and that playing in the heat and the humidity is easier and less impressive. They have ignored the fact that Florida State has played in different weather conditions throughout the season, and has adapted and thrived in each of them.
The Seminoles Deserve a Chance to Compete for the National Championship
The Seminoles have proven themselves on the field, and have earned the right to compete for the national championship. They have a better record and a stronger resume than most of the teams in the top four. They have a more balanced and explosive offense, and a more solid and stingy defense. They have a more experienced and talented quarterback, and a more passionate and loyal fan base. They have a more prestigious and respected program, and a more deserving and motivated team.
The Seminoles should not be snubbed and excluded from the College Football Playoff, based on the biased and unfair criteria of the media and the committee. They should be given a chance to showcase their skills and abilities, and to challenge the best teams in the nation. They should be given a chance to win their fourth national championship, and to cement their legacy and status in college football history.
