Unprecedented Success, Unfulfilled Dreams: FSU’s Unforgettable 2023–24 Football Season

College Football Analyst and Entertainment Writer Ben Fair takes a look at the Seminoles special 2023–24 season and the controversy around not making the CFB Playoff.

The Florida State Seminoles embarked on a journey in the 2023–24 season that was as thrilling as it was heartbreaking. Riding the wave of an undefeated run, claiming the ACC Championship, and yet finding themselves omitted from the coveted CFB playoff.

The Seminoles’ journey was peppered with monumental victories that underscored their strength but also raised questions about their strength of schedule (SOS). The season opener against LSU set the tone for FSU’s ambitions. Their stellar performance in that game showcased their potential as they secured a thrilling victory against a formidable opponent. This win against LSU not only propelled their undefeated run but also hinted at the team’s prowess early in the season.

By Week 4, a decisive matchup against Clemson marked another significant triumph for FSU. The clash with the Tigers, although Clemson experiencing a down year, proved to be a crucial moment for the Seminoles. Despite Clemson’s struggles, securing a win against a historically strong program added to the Seminoles’ momentum and underlined their ability to capitalize on opportunities.

Throughout the rest of the season, they secured nice wins over in-state rivals Miami and Florida. However, they didn’t provide the anticipated boost to FSU’s overall standing due to their opponents’ struggles. This continued to raise pertinent questions about the weightage given to the quality of wins versus the strength of opponents.

In the matchup against North Alabama is when FSU season took a turn for the worst. Late in the first quarter, Jordan Travis, in a pivotal play, suffered a season changing injury while running and being tackled from behind. This unforeseen incident not only disrupted the flow of the game but also drastically altered the course of FSU’s season, marking the beginning of a challenging period without their primary quarterback.

The absence of Jordan Travis, the linchpin of FSU’s offense, before the pivotal clash with Florida underscored the team’s reliance on key players. In his absence, second-string QB Tate Rodemaker stepped in, but it was RB Trey Benson and a stellar performance from the defense that truly shone. This showcased resilience but also highlighted the significant impact of Travis’s injury on the team’s dynamics. Additionally, in the ACC Championship game versus Louisville, FSU faced the challenge of relying on an entirely new quarterback, Fr Brock Glenn. Once again, it was the resilience of the running game and a steadfast defense that ensured victory, demonstrating the team’s ability to adapt amidst adversity

So after an undefeated season, clinching the ACC Conference championship, and showcasing their ability to adapt under chaotic circumstances, the Florida State Seminoles seemingly demonstrated every hallmark of a team destined for postseason glory. Yet, reflecting on such a remarkable season begs the question: what more could they have possibly showcased in a single campaign?

The committee meticulously assessed various factors, including Strength of Schedule (SOS) and Football Power Index (FPI), where Alabama held a convincing advantage over FSU in both categories despite the one loss. This stark disparity in metrics between the two schools became apparent during the evaluation. Moreover, the unfortunate loss of Jordan Travis for the Seminoles loomed large in the committee’s decision-making process. The absence of such a key player, whose loss would undoubtedly impact the team’s performance significantly, served as a pivotal factor that potentially swayed the committee’s decision away from choosing FSU for the playoffs.

In the aftermath of an extraordinary season, one question lingers: Did the committee make the right call in leaving out FSU, a team that showcased unwavering determination, resilience, and adaptability, or did they in fact, select the four best schools for the playoffs?