The Florida State Seminoles have had a remarkable and record-breaking season, which has now paved the way for history to tell a tale of what outside influence and prejudice can have.
The reigning ACC Champion has been left out of the College Football Playoffs in an unprecedented move by the selection committee, whose only reasoning was the status of starting quarterback Jordan Travis' availability. The Seminoles are a perfect 13-0 and defeated No. 14 Louisville in the conference championship.
Former Florida State star and ACCN analyst E.J Manuel gave his take on what has been an impossible mistake by the powers that be, and, quite frankly, they're right.
"Jordan has nothing to be sorry about, first and foremost. Jordan Travis, you have nothing to be sorry about," Manuel said. "This entire team, you have nothing to hang your head about. This is wrong, plain and simple."
The stark justification from the committee seemed cheap and goes against what every team sport is about in regard to championships - winning and teamwork.
"This goes against every single thing that you're taught as a Little League player. It's about the team. It's not about one player. It's not about the quarterback," Manuel continued. "It's not just about the middle linebacker. It's not about the coach, at times, and that seems to have been the situation in this entire debacle."
What is baffling and unnerving is an undefeated Power 5 champion being snubbed in what almost seemed like a frivolous decision.
"I'm pissed off. I'm going to be honest because I don't think this is fair. I feel bad for the team, I feel bad for the program, I feel bad for the city of Tallahassee and all the fans for Florida State because this isn't right."
Florida State is set to face off against No. 6 Georgia in the Orange Bowl on December 30 at 4:00 p.m.
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