In a stunning development, Ashley Moody, the Attorney General of Florida, has announced a formal antitrust investigation into the College Football Playoff committee. This investigation comes in response to the controversial exclusion of Florida State University (FSU) from the playoff, igniting a heated debate among college football fans.

Moody, a self-proclaimed lifelong Gator and the state's chief legal officer, expressed her concern over potential anticompetitive practices within the committee. In a statement released on X/Twitter, Moody declared, "No rational person or college football fan can look at this situation and not question the result. As it stands, the Committee's decision reeks of partiality, so we are demanding answers - not only for FSU, but for all schools, teams, and fans of college football."

According to reports by The Tampa Bay Times, Moody's office has issued a civil investigative demand as part of the antitrust investigation. The demand seeks answers to several key questions surrounding the committee's decision-making process. These include information about communication with "key players and coaches," the individual and collective votes of the committee, and any relevant documents or notes.

Moreover, Moody is seeking communication records between the committee and major entities such as the ACC, SEC, ESPN, and the NCAA. The demand also inquires about any discussions regarding an "alternate playoff schedule" and possible boycotting or protesting of bowl games or the playoff itself. Internal communication about the Power 5 conferences and the composition of bowl games and the playoff is also being sought.

Moody has given the College Football Playoff committee a tight deadline, demanding a response by December 26. However, the committee has called Moody's demands an "overly aggressive reaction" and plans to review the information request carefully.

Bill Hancock, the playoff executive director, stated, "We will carefully review this demand for information. But it sure seems to be an overly aggressive reaction to a college football ranking in which some fans somewhere were bound to be disappointed."

The outcome of this antitrust investigation could potentially have significant implications for the college football landscape, as it delves into the fairness and transparency of the playoff committee's decision-making process. College football fans and stakeholders across the nation will be eagerly awaiting the resolution of this investigation, as it may shape the future of the college football playoff system.