In today’s Fact or Fiction, I look at three big recent topics in college football and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. The playoff isn’t earned.
Farrell’s take: FACT
This is an invitation, not a selection, and that’s just what we have to live with. Florida State won every single game (including two against SEC opponents) and their Power Five conference, yet they were passed over for Texas and Alabama, teams with one loss each. Why? Money. So it’s not a selection committee anymore; it’s an invitation committee, and if you’re rich enough to join the club, then you’re in. If not, you’re screwed. This will happen with an expanded playoff, as teams will be left out of the magical 12 because they just aren’t good enough for TV eyeballs.
2. Florida State will claim a natty like UCF.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
The difference? FSU not only got screwed out of the playoff, but they also landed Georgia as their bowl opponent. A pissed-off Georgia team that will take this bowl seriously after also being snubbed (in their minds) while FSU plays without their starting QB. So FSU won’t be able to claim a win over the team that lost to the eventual national champion as UCF did. They will finish the season 13-1, and that’s not good enough for a mythical natty.
3. FSU needs to leave the ACC.
Farrell’s take: FACT
The ACC clearly doesn’t have the TV deal or cache to be a prominent figure in college football anymore, so the ‘Noles have to come up with the exorbitant buyout money and get the heck out. SEC, Big Ten, it doesn’t matter, but they need to get into one of those conferences like Texas and Washington to have a chance to win it all. We have seen the last ACC national title winner and it was Clemson in 2018.
