CFP injuries and rankings: How a hurt star could derail a national title chase

Florida State set the precedent

Florida State finished 13-0, yet fell to No. 5 and missed the four-team playoff. The committee pointed to the loss of a star starting quarterback and Rodemaker’s play when assessing the team. That decision established a precedent that could affect future contenders.

Ohio State faces other concerns

Ohio State lost starting quarterback Julian Sayin to a throwing shoulder injury late in a 19-15 win over Indiana. Freshman backup Luke Fahey has struggled, according to the article.

The Buckeyes also have back-to-back losses for the first time since 2011. The article says those results could give the committee grounds to leave Ohio State out, regardless of Sayin’s injury.

Miami and Texas lose playmakers

Miami wide receiver Malachi Toney underwent ankle surgery, and the Hurricanes then lost their first game of the season to then-No. 11 Notre Dame. Toney is projected to return for a possible postseason run.

A 12-team field still has a cutoff

The playoff has expanded from four teams to 12, but teams near the edge could still face judgments about injuries and performance. The committee could use its assessment of a team’s overall strength when deciding who makes the field.

Florida State later lost 63-3 to No. 6 Georgia in the non-playoff Orange Bowl. The article says the Seminoles’ experience remains a warning for contenders, even as their fans objected to the 2023 decision.