Florida State playoff snub could destroy the ACC, completely reshape realignment again

The snub of Florida State in the College Football Playoff was, first and foremost, a playoff story. Who is in and who is out? That was the most immediate drama on Sunday. If Florida State had been included, it would have been a much quieter Sunday than what we actually had. Because a 13-0 Power Five conference champion was excluded from the playoff, however, a true firestorm erupted. This was unprecedented in the playoff era, which dates back to 2014. The selection committee crossed a bright red line.

The fact that the snubbed team just happened to be from the ACC, and that the SEC benefited from the ACC getting snubbed, is an explosive event not just in the realm of the playoff and the bowl schedule, but in the realm of realignment. There’s a lot to talk about here.

Let’s dive in:

FLORIDA STATE FED UP

USA TODAY Sports Syndication: Tallahassee Democrat

Let’s start with this: Florida State already wanted out of the ACC before this playoff snub. Now? Oh my. FSU has had it. The Seminoles were previously willing to wait a few years so their exit penalty fee from the ACC grant of rights could be significantly reduced.

Now? FSU wants out right away. Immediately. This minute.

Will Florida State be in the ACC in 2024? Maybe, but the playoff snub has thrown this matter into question. It is once again a legitimate debate. It seemed to be a settled matter, but not now.

ACC AGAINST PLAYOFF EXPANSION

Dec 4, 2021; Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

The ACC isn’t solely responsible for this, but it did play a part in delaying playoff expansion until 2024. If the playoff was 12 teams this year, Florida State would have been in. It’s a small but real part of the larger picture.

ESPN

USA TODAY Sports Syndication: Greenville

ESPN has TV deals with the SEC and ACC, and yet it used the ACC Championship Game broadcast — in which Florida State was…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-state-playoff-snub-could-191115240.html

Author : Trojans Wire

Publish date : 2023-12-04 19:11:15

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