Florida State football had that outstanding victory in the season opener versus the Alabama Crimson Tide. August 30th seems like a lifetime ago, as the Seminoles limped to the finish line with a 5-7 record, while the Crimson Tide are in the SEC Championship Game.
There was some early smoke about quarterback Ty Simpson being in the Heisman Trophy discussion, but it started to die down later in the year.
When talking about Alabama's season, individuals discredited the Florida State loss because it didn't fit the agenda of the "big, bad SEC". It became more of a one-off. While the defense of coordinator Tony White has not played well in the back half of the season, it is a reminder that it can be a very good unit if they execute.
Alabama is playing Georgia in the SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, Georgia today, where the Buildogs lead the Crimson Tide by a score of 14-0 at halftime. Alabama looks putrid on offense, where quarterback Ty Simpson has completed 5 of his 12 passes for 53 yards and an interception. Then, they have only recorded 9 carries for 17 rushing yards in the game.
(Information is provided by ESPN Stats and Information)
The truth of the matter is that the Seminoles could be a thorn in Alabama's side with getting into the College Football Playoff. However, let's be realistic here, if the Crimson Tide could get into the four-team edition in 2023 with a medicore quarterback in Jalen Milroe with a home loss then surely the biased committee will view a three-loss Alabama team in the same breath.
It has become SEC and Big Ten beauty pageants. This isn't a cry for letting the ACC and Big 12 get more teams because I could care less if the conference has anyone. However, it is funny how the goal posts are moved for a team like Alabama. Hopefully, Georgia humbles them in the second half so that it can be really dicey on Selection Sunday.
Nonethless, I am glad that the Seminoles can be a team that causes chaos even with the shortcomings of this year.