Gov. Ron DeSantis is adding financial backing to the backlash from undefeated Florida State’s playoff exclusion.
DeSantis announced Tuesday that he wants to set aside $1 million for “any litigation expenses that may come as a result of this really, really poor decision by the College Football Playoff” to snub the 13-0 ACC champion Seminoles. The Republican made his remark during a news conference to present his 2024-25 budget recommendations.
DeSantis said the Seminoles “earned a spot” in the playoff but were excluded in a “very, very controversial ruling.” FSU is the first undefeated Power Five conference champ to be leapfrogged by a one-loss team in the history of the playoff and its predecessor, the Bowl Championship Series. Alabama, the 12-1 SEC champion, took the fourth and final spot, joining 13-0 Michigan, 13-0 Washington and 12-1 Texas.
DeSantis said an undefeated season should “really be significant, and they’re telling us that it doesn’t — that other factors matter more.” He said he wants to see the state’s traditional powers — FSU, Miami and Florida — get back to all competing for national titles again. He also wants more blue-chip recruits to stay in the state; he made that point previously while signing Florida’s landmark name, image and likeness into law in 2020.
R&I – TP
lenojames
Article URL : https://www.tampabay.com/news/florida-politics/2023/12/05/desantis-fsu-football-playoff-florida-state-cfp/