Had Georgia beat Bama than Texas would NOT have jumped FSU.
When Bama beat the 2x defending champ, that was #1 since the first CFP ranking and held that spot all season, the committee knew they were screwed.
They couldn’t justify leaving the SEC out completely (even though I’d argue the on-field results of the SEC and Bama specifically could have justified it). The perception and recent historical strength of the SEC was the deciding factor.
Once it was decided the SEC champ was going to be in, the committee was stuck because of Texas’ H2H win over Bama. I don’t think the committee loved Texas or Bama this year but they were a package deal and that’s why FSU got left out.
Ultimately the committee didn’t have the balls to keep the SEC champion out… maybe that was a money decision or maybe it’s because they all believe that the SEC is the king of CFB and a playoff without SEC representation just didn’t feel right.
When Bama beat the 2x defending champ, that was #1 since the first CFP ranking and held that spot all season, the committee knew they were screwed.
They couldn’t justify leaving the SEC out completely (even though I’d argue the on-field results of the SEC and Bama specifically could have justified it). The perception and recent historical strength of the SEC was the deciding factor.
Once it was decided the SEC champ was going to be in, the committee was stuck because of Texas’ H2H win over Bama. I don’t think the committee loved Texas or Bama this year but they were a package deal and that’s why FSU got left out.
Ultimately the committee didn’t have the balls to keep the SEC champion out… maybe that was a money decision or maybe it’s because they all believe that the SEC is the king of CFB and a playoff without SEC representation just didn’t feel right.
