In the aftermath of the controversial decision to include SEC champion Alabama over undefeated ACC champion Florida State in the College Football Playoff, Fox Sports analyst Richard Sherman did not mince words as he expressed his dissatisfaction with the selection committee.
The former All-Pro cornerback based the SEC conference during a recent episode of FS1’s “Undisputed.”
“The SEC plays mostly a ‘Patty Cake’ schedule. They play Middle Tennessee, they play Division I-AA and FCS schools the majority of the time when they are outside of each other. They are an overrated conference,” Sherman said.
He didn’t stop there, presenting what he considered evidence for the SEC’s overrated status by pointing out LSU’s loss to Florida State and Alabama’s defeat to Texas.
“Most of the time they (SEC teams) are playing nobody … Outside of their conference, they are not playing ranked opponents, they are not playing great opponents. When they do, they lose,” he said.
Is the SEC an overrated conference?@RSherman_25: “Outside of their conference they play nobody and when they do, they lose!” pic.twitter.com/oG7dHYFRYV
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) December 4, 2023
The outspoken commentator aligned himself with those who argue that Alabama’s inclusion in the Playoff was influenced by the program’s name and the conference’s popularity.
Sherman believes that the undefeated Seminoles were much more deserving and worthy of a Playoff spot than the Tide.
Love me some Richard Sherman, but he should be drug tested saying the SEC is overrated lmaooo https://t.co/eNhrgpS8og
— Tyler Elrod 🐻 (@tylerlelrod) December 5, 2023
Sherman’s critique of the committee’s decision reflects a broader sentiment in the college football world, where the choice of Alabama over Florida State has ignited numerous debates.
Of course, the elephant in the room is the season-ending injury to Noles star quarterback Jordan Travis.
As unfortunate as the injury is, the fact of the matter is Florida State is not a Playoff caliber team without Travis.
You could certainly make the argument that even with a healthy Travis the Noles aren’t on the level of not just Alabama and Texas, but Georgia, Oregon and Ohio State as well.
The playoff structure is designed for the 4 best teams to battle it out. AL vs FS or AL vs MI, which one would you rather see.?
Debate over.
— Odd Games (@breaze3d) December 5, 2023
What are your thoughts on Florida State being “snubbed?”
Did the committee get it right?
Or do you think the Seminoles deserve to be in?
As far as Sherman – Does he have a point? … Is the SEC overrated???