In a dramatic shift in the College Football Playoff rankings, Florida State catapulted into the top four, while Ohio State experienced a notable and expected drop, falling to #6.
The rankings, a subject of much anticipation, saw Georgia retaining its top spot, followed by Michigan at #2 and Washington at #3.
The shake-up ensued after Michigan secured a 30-24 victory over arch-rival Ohio State, securing a place in the Big Ten championship game and dealing a fatal blow to the Buckeyes playoff aspirations.
Boo Corrigan, the chair of the CFP committee, commented on the rankings release show on ESPN, stating: “As we look at it, it was a really good weekend, rivalry weekend, you get a little bit of everything. What a great season it’s been so far.”
Here’s how the #CFBPlayoff rankings look before the final list is announced on Sunday 👀 pic.twitter.com/VplYZoimpO
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) November 29, 2023
Florida State’s resurgence in the rankings came after a victory against in-state rival Florida, albeit without starting quarterback Jordan Travis.
Tate Rodemaker, the new starter, displayed moments of uncertainty, but the Seminoles managed to secure a 24-15 win.
The story going forward is the absence of Travis and if Florida State should still make the Playoff without him.
Can Florida State still make it to the top four after the devastating injury of Jordan Travis?
Look out for today’s episode for some interesting takes on this! 🏈 #sportstalk #CollegeFootball pic.twitter.com/Y1e23dlJeQ— The Continental Sports Podcast (@Con_Sports_pod) November 21, 2023
“Different team without Jordan Travis. It’s more than one player, but obviously, they are a different team without Jordan Travis,” Coorigan said.
“Dad, what was 2023 FSU like before the Jordan Travis injury?” pic.twitter.com/5h2t82se1k
— Andrew Schmoyer (@AndrewSchmoyer) November 19, 2023
“I find it very hard to imagine, based on these rankings, that if Florida State were to win, even without Jordan Travis, Texas or Alabama would have a chance to go by them … So I think based on what we just saw, if you’re Florida State, it looks like you’re four quarters away from controlling your own destiny and securing a spot in the playoff even without your guy Jordan Travis,” ESPN lead analyst Kirk Herbstreit said.
Assuming the Seminoles beat Louisville in the ACC championship game this Saturday, would they truly be deserving of a playoff spot.
Being undefeated in a Power-5 conference, Florida State has done everything that’s been asked of them … But will they be “punished” for not having their star quarterback?
Is the committee’s responsibility to put the four most deserving teams in the Playoff – or the four BEST???
Looking ahead, every conference championship game this weekend holds playoff implications.
The SEC championship clash between Georgia and #8 Alabama is expected to be a pivotal matchup in Atlanta on Saturday … That along with Friday’s Pac-12 title game (Washington vs. #5 Oregon) are virtual Playoff “play-in” games.
Corrigan spoke of Oregon’s dominance, stating: “Oregon has continued to dominate. With the season that (Ducks quarterback) Bo Nix is having, they have continued to impress with both the offense and the defense.”
Bo Nix is taking this highlight to New York@OregonFootball | #GoDuckspic.twitter.com/CKGqEIQGon
— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) November 25, 2023
Michigan, set to face #16 Iowa in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday, eyes its third consecutive CFP appearance with a victory.
Meanwhile, the Big 12 championship game on Saturday between #7 Texas and #18 Oklahoma State adds another layer of complexity to the playoff picture … The Longhorns may not control their own destiny for a Playoff spot, but they are still very much alive.
The final CFP rankings will be unveiled on Sunday at noon EST on ESPN.
What are your thoughts on the rankings?
Assuming Florida State beats Louisville, should they make the Playoff?
What is your dream Playoff scenario?
(I think I speak for us all when I say I can’t wait for the 12-team field next season!)