Part 5/9:
The CFP Exclusion and Bowl Game Stakes
The committee ultimately chose not to include FSU in the playoffs, despite their undefeated record and conference championship. This decision sparked widespread criticism. Alabama and Texas, teams with losses yet perceived stronger finishes, took the playoff spots instead.
The Orange Bowl was nothing more than a consolation prize for FSU, where they faced Georgia—a formidable opponent, and a team they could potentially use to validate their claims of being deserving playoff contenders. The stakes for FSU were high; a close game or a win could have vindicated them in the eyes of critics.