Trump blames DeSantis for Florida State football playoff snub
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Former President Donald Trump Monday referenced Gov. Ron DeSantis in a post on Truth Social after Florida State was left out of the college football playoff.
“Florida State was treated very badly by the ‘Committee,'” Trump said. “They become the first Power Five team to be left out of the College Football Playoffs.”
“Really bad lobbying effort…Lets blame DeSanctimonous!!!” he said.
Despite going undefeated at 13-0, Florida State moved to No. 5 in the final rankings of the four-team playoff. The committee instead selected Michigan, Washington, Texas and Alabama.
The Crimson Tide vaulted ahead of Florida State into the No. 4 ranking following a win over previous No. 1 Georgia in the Southeastern Conference championship game. The Longhorns also moved into the final four after defeating Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Conference championship game.
The Seminoles are the first undefeated Power 5 conference champion to be excluded from the field. The Power 5 includes the Atlantic Coast Conference, Big 12 Conference, Big 10 Conference, Pac-12 Conference, and Southeastern Conference.
With its ouster, Florida State instead was selected to face No. 6 Georgia in the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
According to the committee, teams are selected to make the college football playoff based off championships won, strength of schedule, head-to-head competition, and comparative outcomes of common opponents. It also factors “unavailability of key players” in its guidelines.
Florida State’s starting quarterback, Jordan Travis, suffered a season-ending leg injury against North Alabama in November. The Atlantic Coast Conference’s Player of the Year tossed for 2,755 yards and 20 touchdowns while adding seven rushing touchdowns prior to his injury.
“Florida State is a different team than they were the first 11 weeks,” CFB committee chair Boo Corrigan said. “If you look at who they are as a team right now, without Jordan Travis, without the offensive dynamic that he brings to it, they are a different team.”
In its 2014 inaugural season, the College Football playoff committee selected 1-loss Ohio State after the Buckeyes defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 59-0 in the Big Ten Championship game. Ohio State, who eventually won the national championship, did so with third-string quarterback Cardale Jones.
Florida State defeated Louisville 16-6 in the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game Saturday. The Seminoles started third-string quarterback Brock Glenn after backup quarterback Tate Rodemaker was ruled out after suffering a concussion against Florida.
According to ESPN metrics, Alabama recorded the 5th toughest strength of schedule in the nation this season. Florida State, meanwhile, placed 55th in the country.
Michigan, Washington and Texas also finished with a higher strength of schedule than Florida State. The Wolverines were the lowest ranking at No. 35.
Gov. Ron DeSantis also blasted the committee for snubbing Florida State.
“What we learned today is that you can go undefeated and win your conference championship game, but the College Football Playoff committee will ignore these results,” DeSantis said. “Congratulations to @FSU Football on an outstanding season and winning the ACC championship!”
Beginning next season, the College Football Playoff selection process will be moved to a 12-team format. The 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship will be played on Jan. 8, 2024.
