SEC commissioner laments backlash over CFP committee's exclusion of Florida State

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey defended those on the College Football Playoff selection committee on Saturday as officials took a lot of heat for leaving undefeated Florida State out of the bracket.

The committee decided to put Alabama into the playoff over Florida State and Georgia. The Crimson Tide won the SEC title as the Seminoles took home the ACC Championship. However, injuries decimated the Seminoles and changed the way committee members saw them. It led to their ouster.

"I didn't need so many incoming emails I received," Sankey said, via ESPN. "I can only imagine hearing from those on the selection committee who are volunteers what they received. 

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SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey looks on prior to the SEC Championship game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 2, 2023 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

"I think some of the statements made in the immediacy of selection were disappointing to me as a colleague, and I would maintain that the strength of our league – sure we lost some games – but as I look at what were the four best teams, I would maintain that we had two of those four. But again, the selection committee makes that decision, and we respect the decision."

Florida State officials, coach Mike Norvell and even government authorities took issue with the College Football Playoff members and the four teams they selected.

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The Florida State football team takes the field during the 90th Capital One Orange Bowl Game