In a surprising turn of events, Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz has voiced his discontent over the College Football Playoff committee's decision to exclude Florida State from the playoff race. The Seminoles, despite going undefeated at 13-0 and winning the ACC title, were overlooked in favor of Michigan, Washington, Texas, and Alabama.

The committee's reasoning behind this snub was attributed to the season-ending injury of Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis. Committee chair Boo Corrigan stated that the team's performance without their star player led them to believe that Florida State was not among the top four teams in the nation, ultimately giving Alabama the coveted fourth spot.

Drinkwitz, known for his association with the SEC, expressed his concerns about the committee's decision during an interview on SiriusXM College Sports Radio. He questioned the rationale behind excluding a team due to a significant injury, especially when other playoff contenders would not be subjected to the same scrutiny. The Missouri head coach further commented on the committee's failure to consider any potential unfair advantages gained by certain teams throughout the season.

The snub has elicited a strong reaction from the Seminoles camp. Florida State head coach Mike Norvell released a scathing statement, expressing his disgust and frustration with the committee's decision. Norvell highlighted the importance of on-field results and the disheartening message this decision sends to players. He also questioned the value of scheduling challenging non-conference games when the committee seemingly disregards them.

The controversy surrounding Florida State's omission raises serious questions about how teams are evaluated and selected for the College Football Playoff. The exclusion of a team with an unblemished record and a conference championship has ignited a wave of criticism from within the sport. It also signifies a departure from the precedent where an undefeated Power 5 conference champion had never been left out of the playoffs before.

Meanwhile, Missouri is gearing up to face Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, unaffected by the controversy that has surrounded the selection process. As the debate rages on about the fairness and transparency of the College Football Playoff, teams like Missouri continue to focus on their upcoming matchups and strive to make their mark on the field.

In the end, this controversial decision has highlighted the need for further examination of the playoff selection process. As fans, players, and coaches weigh in on the debate, the future of the College Football Playoff may see significant changes to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of deserving teams.