Explaining why Florida State should reach playoff if undefeated

If wins are a currency, Florida State is rich. On Saturday, the Seminoles will look to remain undefeated as they square off against Louisville in the ACC Championship. If FSU defeats the Cardinals, Warchant’s Jeff Cameron believes the program deserves a spot in the College Football Playoff.

“I understand that Florida State does not look like one of the four best teams in the country but, at some point, any of the games have to count for something, right?” Cameron asked On3’s Andy Staples. “They have to matter. I feel like it’s been strange.

“I get it. I know that I’ve watched teams before, not named Florida State, be ranked second or third and thought to myself around a bunch of other football folks, ‘Is that team really very good? Is that team any good? they’ve had a key injury here or there.’

“But, it’s not as if the schedule is awful, and Florida State has won all their games. I don’t know that they’re nervous because I don’t think that they would be left out if they go undefeated. I also know that it’s OK to say, if you’re from the outside, ‘I don’t think Florida State is one of the best four teams.'”

Florida State has been swamped in controversy since starting quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury in Week 12 against North Alabama. As the ACC Player of the Year, Travis was a selling-point to the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Without him, many have questioned FSU’s ability to win. The Seminoles gave viewers an answer this past weekend with a 24-15 win over in-state rival Florida. In the win, backup QB Tate Rodemaker completed 12-of-his 25 pass attempts for 134 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or interception in the outing.

Florida State boasts a hefty resumé

Nonetheless, the Seminoles will see tougher defenses in the CFP than they faced against the Gators. Despite the doubts, Cameron is convinced if FSU remains undefeated, it will earn a spot in the CFP.

“I just think that you know when you have a road win against Clemson — nobody else beat Clemson on the road,” Cameron said. “If you beat Louisville, who trounced Notre Dame I might add, and if we’re gonna give Ohio State credit for beating Notre Dame, well then goodness gracious.

“Of course, Florida State beat LSU in a way that nobody has. LSU got dominated in the second half of that football game. Jayden Daniels hasn’t looked like that against anybody. I just don’t think you could leave [FSU] out.”

Florida State and Louisville will go head-to-head at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday. The game will be broadcast on ABC.