In a season filled with surprises and upsets, the gap between the Florida State Seminoles and true playoff contenders was clearly exposed as Alabama marched to another impressive victory.

Without injured quarterback Jordan Travis, the Seminoles struggled to find their offensive rhythm in a disappointing 16-6 loss to Louisville. This setback not only highlighted the team's offensive shortcomings but also posed a significant challenge in their bid for ACC championship glory.

When comparing the Seminoles to the top contenders in college football, it becomes evident that they lack the offensive firepower to keep up. Previous matchups against elite teams like Michigan State in 2015 and Ohio State in 2017 resulted in lopsided defeats. Even in their undefeated season in the 2014 playoff, Florida State was soundly beaten 59-20 by Oregon in the semifinals.

While acknowledging the Seminoles' defensive prowess, the undeniable truth is that their offense falls short when stacked against powerhouses like Alabama. The recent injury to Jordan Travis further complicates their chances of making a strong case for the playoffs.

One cannot ignore the stellar performance of Alabama, whose resounding victory over unquestioned No. 1 Georgia solidified their position as legitimate title contenders. The Crimson Tide put an end to Georgia's impressive 29-game winning streak, leaving no doubt about their dominance.

One factor that underpins Alabama's strength is their challenging schedule. Rankings from ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) place Alabama at a remarkable No. 2, while the Seminoles languish at 58th. Additionally, TeamRankings rates Alabama at No. 5 and Florida State at 16.

The discrepancy between the two teams became abundantly clear when comparing their performances on Saturday. Despite the Seminoles boasting one of the nation's top defenses, their offense, in its current state, is ill-equipped to match up against Alabama or other playoff-caliber teams.

In an ideal situation, an exceptional ACC season could have made the argument for Florida State to be considered. However, the conference lacks the elite depth required to support such a claim. Even the Seminoles' best win came against a third-place finisher in the SEC West, while Alabama convincingly vanquished the two-time defending national champions.

As the season approaches its climactic stages, a difficult decision looms for playoff selection committees. Nevertheless, the evidence points to Alabama as the rightful choice if only one team can be picked. Only the Crimson Tide possess the necessary credentials to legitimately contend for a national title, ultimately underscoring the purpose of the playoff system.

It is apparent that the gap between the Florida State Seminoles and true title contending teams has been exposed. While the Seminoles' defensive prowess is commendable, their lack of offensive strength, exacerbated by the injury to quarterback Jordan Travis, has diminished their chances of making a compelling argument for the playoffs. In contrast, Alabama's dominant performance against top-ranked Georgia solidified their status as legitimate contenders for the national title. The gap in performance and strength of schedule between the two teams ultimately makes Alabama the clear choice for playoff consideration.