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How Florida State could save its season after crushing loss to Louisville
There's no other way to put it: Louisville's beatdown of Florida State wasn't just bad, it was catastrophic for the Noles. It was one of the worst losses we've seen on such a big stage for anyone in recent college football history.
But while it'd be easy to dwell on the loss for Florida State and throw out tired cliches about its season being over, here's the simple truth: It's not, by a long shot. Florida State can get itself back into the playoff mix and potentially end up in the College Football Playoff.
Remember, we've seen this narrative before. Teams have lost early -- sometimes in conference -- and still bounced back to make the playoff. Oregon got tripped up against Arizona at home two years ago. Oklahoma lost to Texas in the Red River Rivalry last season. Shoot, Alabama has lost the past two years to Ole Miss. All have made the playoff. As a matter of fact, both the 2014 Ohio State Buckeyes and the 2015 Crimson Tide lost in September on their way to a national championship. It can be done.
The most important thing for Florida State right now is this: re-focus, regroup and, to be blunt, win all your games. It won't be easy, with Clemson, North Carolina and Miami still on the schedule -- three teams that have all looked good this year. At the same time, there's a reason we all liked this team so much in the preseason: The Seminoles are crazy good and have enough talent to win all those games.
Of course, it would take a little luck. And that's the hard part in this equation. Florida State doesn't just need to be good, it needs a little help. Louisville would have to lose twice in conference for Florida State to feel safe. A trip to Clemson in two weeks seems like an obvious spot, but there are no other logical candidates. Still, this is college football and crazier things have happened. Don't forget the Cardinals play Houston late in the season, and we can only imagine what the ramifications could be by then.
If the Cardinals get tripped up and if Florida State wins the remainder of its games, the Seminoles would have a compelling case to be in the College Football Playoff. Wins over Ole Miss, Clemson, North Carolina, Miami and a potential ACC title game opponent would look pretty darn good to the selection committee. If history is any indication, it would be more than enough for them to get in, regardless of how ugly the Louisville game was on Saturday.
As bad as today feels, Florida State fans must remember there's a lot of season left to be played.
If anything, it's only beginning.
