Florida State’s star quarterback Jordan Travis left the game against North Alabama on Saturday with a leg injury that could have serious implications for the Seminoles’ College Football Playoff aspirations.
Travis injured in second quarter
Travis, who was having a Heisman Trophy-caliber season, was injured in the second quarter when he was tackled by North Alabama linebacker Jalen Choice. Travis landed awkwardly on his right leg and immediately grabbed his knee in pain. He was helped off the field by the medical staff and taken to the locker room for further evaluation.
The Seminoles were leading 28-0 at the time of the injury, and backup quarterback Chubba Purdy came in to replace Travis. Purdy completed 10 of 15 passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns, as Florida State cruised to a 56-7 victory over the FCS opponent.
Travis’ status uncertain for upcoming games
After the game, Florida State head coach Mike Norvell did not provide any details on the extent of Travis’ injury, but said he was hopeful that the senior quarterback would be able to return soon.
“We’re going to get him checked out and see where he’s at,” Norvell said. “He’s a tough kid, he’s a competitor, he’s a leader. We’re going to do everything we can to get him back as quickly as possible.”
Travis has been the catalyst for Florida State’s offense this season, throwing for 2,347 yards and 24 touchdowns with only three interceptions, while also rushing for 467 yards and six touchdowns. He ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency (189.4) and third in yards per attempt (10.6).
The Seminoles (10-0) are currently ranked No. 2 in the CFB playoff rankings, behind No. 1 Georgia. They have two more regular season games left, against Duke and Florida, before the ACC championship game against No. 4 Clemson. If Travis is unable to play, Purdy will have to step up and lead the team against some tough opponents.
How Travis’ injury affects the CFB playoff picture
Travis’ injury could shake up the CFB playoff picture, as Florida State’s chances of making the four-team field could depend on his availability and performance. The Seminoles have been dominant this season, averaging 45.6 points and 524.8 yards per game, while allowing only 15.4 points and 287.6 yards per game. They have beaten two top-10 teams, LSU and Clemson, and have looked like a legitimate contender for the national title.
However, without Travis, the Seminoles could struggle to maintain their offensive firepower and their defensive intensity. Purdy is a talented sophomore, but he has limited experience and has not faced the same level of competition as Travis. He will have to prove himself against Duke and Florida, who are both ranked in the top 25, and against Clemson, who has one of the best defenses in the country.
If Florida State loses any of these games, they could drop out of the top four and miss the CFB playoff. Even if they win out, they could still be leapfrogged by other teams, such as No. 3 Alabama, No. 5 Ohio State, or No. 6 Oregon, who have more impressive resumes and more margin for error.
The CFB playoff committee will have to weigh the impact of Travis’ injury on Florida State’s performance and potential, and decide whether the Seminoles deserve to be in the final four. Travis’ injury could be the difference between a historic season and a disappointing one for Florida State.
