A 13-0 ACC Champion Florida State team was left out of the College Football Playoff in favor of a pair of 12-1 teams in Alabama and Texas, the first time in the history of the playoff that an undefeated Power 5 team was left out in favor of a 1-loss team. This led reporters to ask other head coaches around the country what they thought of the CFP Committee’s decision.
One of those coaches asked was Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin, whose Rebels went 10-2 and finished 11th in the final rankings. They’ll be playing Penn State in the Peach Bowl on December 30th. Here’s a clip of what Coach Kiffin had to say.
Kiffin noted that he's feeling for Florida State after the historic snub. He credited the program for its amazing season and how the Seminoles overcame adversity.
In regards to FSU, he said “I do feel for Florida State and their players for doing everything they were asked to do and not making it, that was really obviously the first time that's ever happened. To be undefeated and for that to happen I do feel for them and coach Norvell because they had an amazing season, overcame a lot to do what they did."
Kiffin didn't tip his hand too much but it's obvious he has respect for what the Seminoles were able to accomplish. It was a lot more complimentary than what he had to say about other teams in his whole answer.
Florida State will play Georgia in the Orange Bowl on Dec 30th, but it won’t have the same impact, as players are likely to opt out on both sides due to not being in the College Football Playoff or wanting to protect their professional futures.
More must-reads: