The decision has been settled on the 2023 College Football Playoff selections, and the familiar faces of Alabama, Michigan, Washington, and Texas are heading to the promised land. Despite the familiarity, the sting of exclusion is causing a firestorm of debate and calls for change.
The Chosen Few: How They Got Here
The selection process for the four-team playoff is fully held in secrecy, with the 13-member College Football Playoff Committee ultimately holding all of the power. This year, their decision was said to stem down from a balance of strength of schedule, head-to-head results, conference championships, and, perhaps most controversially, perceived brand value (CBS).
- Michigan (13-0) cruised through the Big Ten, finishing undefeated and claiming the conference title. Their dominant wins over Ohio State and Iowa cemented their status as the No. 1 seed.
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- Washington (13-0) followed a similar script, navigating the Pac-12 unscathed and securing the conference crown with a thrilling victory over Oregon in the championship game. Ramapo Senior Gavin Taylor stated, “Washington is such a likable team and after their win against Oregon I fully believe they have the talent to go out and win the entire thing.”
- Texas (12-1), despite suffering a lone defeat to Oklahoma State, emerged as the Big 12 champion thanks to a marquee win over Alabama in Week 2. The head-to-head victory proved decisive in their selection over a one-loss, conference champion Florida State.
Quarterback Quinn
- Alabama (12-1), despite the early hiccup against Texas, bounced back to win the SEC West and reached the playoff on the strength of their conference pedigree and undeniable national brand. Alabama is the most controversial team to be selected.
Controversy Strikes
Critics argue that the current system prioritizes established “blue blood” programs over deserving teams from less glamorous conferences. The exclusion of an undefeated Florida State, arguably the hottest team in the nation at the time, fueled the flames of discontent. This marks the first time in history an undefeated Power-Five school has been excluded from the College Football Playoffs (SI).
Embracing Reform
Despite the controversy, a glimmer of hope emerges. The College Football Playoff is set to expand to 12 teams in 2026, offering a wider path for conference champions and potential Cinderella stories. (CBS). This expansion should alleviate some of the pressure on the selection committee and provide more teams with a shot at the big stage. The 2023 College Football Playoff selection may have left a bitter taste in some mouths, but it also served as a stark reminder of the need for reform. As the sport evolves, embracing a more inclusive playoff system will be key to ensuring that every team, regardless of conference affiliation, has a fair shot at chasing the ultimate prize. Ramapo history teacher Mr. Mayer stated, “I think it’s great they are finally going to change the system. It’s super unfair that Florida State was able to go undefeated against top opponents all year and still not qualify. They did everything they had control over.”