Danny Kanell: Florida State has earned right for CFP, says best teams donât lose
No. 4 Florida State capped an undefeated season with a 16-6 win over Louisville on Saturday night for the ACC Championship Game.
The talk all Saturday was about who would be included in the College Football Playoff. No. 7 Texas took care of business over Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Championship Game before No. 8 Alabama upset No. 1 Georgia 27-24 in the SEC Championship Game.
Would either one of those wins be enough to surpass the No. 4 Seminoles?
College football analyst and former Florida State quarterback Danny Kanell says no.
“In the greatest team sport ever known to mankind CHAMPIONSHIP teams are those that just find ways to win,” he posted on “X,” the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “No matter the circumstance. Florida State has done that all year long. They have EARNED a right to keep that quest for a title alive.”
The Seminoles moved to 13-0, but even that doesn’t guarantee a spot in the four-team playoff after Alabama knocked off No. 1 Georgia for the SEC championship and Texas, which beat Alabama this season, won the Big 12 title.
No Power Five team has ever gone unbeaten, won its conference title and failed to make the playoff.
Lawrance Toafili ran for 118 yards and a touchdown for the Seminoles, who stuck to a conservative game plan with third-string quarterback Brock Glenn behind center. Glenn finished 8 of 21 for 55 yards.
Of course, it is no surprise that Kanell would feel the way he has. Over the years, he has been an open for his disdain for the SEC. Yet, that doesn’t make him wrong. Still, the CFP committee certainly has a lot to consider.
Last week, he had a message for Alabama fans after the Crimson Tide narrowly defeated Auburn 27-24.
“Georgia is gonna boat race Bama next week,” Kanell posted on X. “Thankfully, I snatched up UGa -4.”
Still, Kanell is all about his Seminoles and their undefeated record.
“Just an observation,” he posted, “the best teams don’t lose.”
That reasoning certainly is a shot at Alabama and Texas, the teams chomping at the bit for a shot at the SEC.
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.