The 2024 College Football Playoff field stirred up controversy as undefeated Florida State found itself excluded in favor of 12-1 Alabama. ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit didn’t hold back in defending the committee’s contentious choice.
Herbstreit dismissed the significance of Florida State’s undefeated record, emphasizing that being undefeated alone doesn’t necessarily make a team one of the best four. He pointed out that the absence of key players, like Jordan Travis, should be considered in evaluating a team’s performance.
Despite Herbstreit not being part of the College Football Playoff selection committee, former ESPN analyst Danny Kanell suggested that his influence played a substantial role in the decision-making process. Kanell argued that Herbstreit’s vocal stance on the “four best teams” notion might have swayed committee members, as many regard Herbstreit’s opinions highly.
Kanell acknowledged that Herbstreit’s preference for Alabama over Florida State might not be surprising, given their history of differences in opinions, particularly related to the SEC.
Dude..what has happened to you?? Seriously. You’re a good guy—and I get the whole “anti SEC guy” you’ve created, but you think ESPN wouldn’t LOVE to have Ohio St in this??? They’re a RATINGS BONANZA!! Cmon dude!! You’re better than that!!! https://t.co/646E9Xbwq6
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 4, 2017
In the upcoming College Football Playoff matchups, No. 1 Michigan will face No. 4 Alabama, while No. 2 Washington will take on No. 3 Texas. The debate over the playoff selections is expected to continue, with Herbstreit’s influence and the committee’s decisions under scrutiny.