Alabama football coach Nick Saban felt a bit of empathy on Sunday after his team landed a coveted spot in the College Football Playoff, while Florida State was on the outside looking in.
This year’s Selection Sunday caused quite an uproar due to Florida State’s absence. The Seminoles had entered the weekend No. 3 in the rankings and proceeded to capture the ACC title on Saturday night in Charlotte, N.C., but fell to No. 5.
Alabama, on the other hand, had been No. 8 and jumped to No. 4, earning them a chance to compete for the national title.
Saban expressed sympathy for FSU and other quality schools that didn’t make the cut on Sunday.
“This is just one of those years where — and there have been other years like this — where somebody that may have been deserving got left out,” Saban said on Sunday, according to CBS Sports. “Florida State, certainly, going undefeated did everything they could to get into the playoffs. Unfortunately, probably because of the injury to their quarterback, are not going to have that opportunity.”
Saban was referring to the season-ending injury to Florida State QB Jordan Travis a few weeks back, which essentially flipped things on its head.
The loss of Travis changed the way the College Football Playoff selection committee viewed Florida State’s season.
Now, the Seminoles are the first unbeaten Power Five conference winner to not get a shot at a national title under the playoff system.
In a post on X earlier in the day, Travis said he was “devastated” that his injury cost his team so much.
“Heartbroken,” he wrote. “In so much disbelief [right now], I wish my leg broke earlier in the season so y’all could see this team is much more than the quarterback. I thought results matter. 13-0 and this roster matches up across any team in those top 4 rankings. I am so sorry. Go Noles!”
The selection committee’s decision was met with a harsh response from FSU coach Mike Norvell and athletic director Michael Alford in separate statements.
While Saban’s empathy may come from a good place, it likely won’t quell any of the anger in Tallahassee at the moment.