In a shocking turn of events, the Florida State Seminoles were left devastated after being snubbed by the College Football Playoff (CFP) committee. Despite their undefeated record and victory in the ACC Championship, the committee chose to elevate Alabama to the fourth spot and pushed Florida State down to fifth. The decision sparked outrage and criticism from the college football world, including the Seminoles themselves.

Jordan Travis, the star quarterback of Florida State, expressed his heartbreak over the team's exclusion. Apologizing to the fans, Travis took to social media to voice his disbelief and frustration. He even went as far as saying he wished his injury had occurred earlier in the season, so people could see that the team's success was not solely reliant on him. Travis believed that the Seminoles' 13-0 record and strong roster should have placed them among the top four teams.

Travis' injury, which occurred during a game against North Alabama, was seen as the catalyst for Florida State's exclusion from the Playoff. The loss of their star quarterback was believed to have weakened the team's overall makeup, leading to their downfall in the committee's rankings. CFP Selection Committee Chair, Boo Corrigan, defended the decision, stating that Florida State was a different team without Travis and that this influenced the committee's choice.

The response from Florida State's athletic director, Michael Alford, was scathing. Alford criticized the committee for succumbing to a narrative of the moment, claiming that it damaged the legitimacy of the College Football Playoff. He argued that the Seminoles' ability to win despite Travis' injury should have enhanced their case for inclusion. Alford accused the committee of abandoning their responsibility to evaluate performance on the field and instead prioritizing subjective factors.

Head coach Mike Norvell shared Alford's sentiments, expressing his disgust and fury over the decision. Norvell questioned the purpose of playing games if results were to be disregarded. He pointed out the team's undefeated record, their victories against ranked opponents, and their success in challenging non-conference games. Norvell believed that the committee's evaluation process was flawed and failed to acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of the Florida State Seminoles.

The exclusion of Florida State from the Playoff also garnered attention from lawmakers, who joined the chorus of criticism. The disappointment was palpable, as the Seminoles had high hopes of competing for the national championship. Despite their snub, Florida State will face Georgia in the Orange Bowl.

The College Football Playoff Committee Chairman, Boo Corrigan, defended the decision on ESPN, explaining that this year's selection process was unique due to the last year of the four-team system. However, many, including ACC commissioner Jim Phillips, found the omission of Florida State from the playoffs unfathomable. The Seminoles' absence marked the first time an undefeated Power 5 conference winner had been denied a chance to compete for the national title under the current playoff system.

In the end, Florida State's bid for the national championship was dashed, leaving the team and their supporters in disbelief and disappointment. The committee's decision to prioritize predictive competitiveness over proven performance raised questions about the credibility and fairness of the College Football Playoff system. As the Seminoles look ahead to the Orange Bowl, their exclusion from the playoffs will serve as a constant reminder of the injustices they believe they faced.