ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, recently shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the teams he believes could be removed from the postseason discussion.
In a recent segment, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, one of the most respected voices in college football commentary, shared his thoughts on the current landscape of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and the teams he believes could be removed from the postseason discussion. With the CFP selection committee tasked with determining the four best teams in the country every year, Finebaum’s perspective offers insight into which teams he feels might not deserve a spot in the elite field, based on their current form and potential flaws.
### 1. **Florida State Seminoles**
One of the most surprising teams Finebaum mentioned was the undefeated Florida State Seminoles. Despite a perfect record, Finebaum expressed doubts about the Seminoles’ ability to compete at the highest level of college football, citing their weak schedule and some inconsistency in key games. While Florida State has been solid under head coach Mike Norvell, Finebaum suggested that the Seminoles’ lack of a marquee win, coupled with some less-than-impressive performances, might hinder their chances. The Seminoles have had close calls against teams that are far from top-tier programs, and Finebaum questioned whether they could hang with the top teams in the nation.
### 2. **Michigan Wolverines**
Another team Finebaum is skeptical about is the Michigan Wolverines. While Michigan has been one of the top teams in the Big Ten and remains unbeaten, Finebaum noted that the Wolverines’ schedule has been relatively weak, particularly when compared to other national contenders. Michigan has not faced many high-ranked opponents in 2024, and while their offense has been efficient under quarterback J.J. McCarthy, Finebaum argued that their lack of a true test could hurt them come playoff time. Furthermore, Finebaum raised concerns about Michigan’s ability to compete with teams that feature explosive offenses, pointing out that their defense, though solid, could struggle against elite skill players in a high-stakes playoff environment.
### 3. **Texas Longhorns**
Despite being a highly ranked team with a talented roster, Finebaum has been vocal about his reservations regarding the Texas Longhorns. He acknowledged that Texas has made strides under head coach Steve Sarkisian, especially with quarterback Quinn Ewers leading the charge. However, Finebaum pointed out that Texas still has some glaring weaknesses, particularly on defense. While the Longhorns have shown moments of brilliance, they’ve also been prone to inconsistency, including a couple of narrow victories over teams they were expected to dominate. Finebaum also questioned the team’s mental toughness, suggesting that in a playoff scenario, where every game is a do-or-die situation, Texas could struggle against more battle-tested teams.
### The Big Picture
Finebaum’s comments reflect his belief that the College Football Playoff committee should prioritize teams with strong resumes, both in terms of strength of schedule and overall performance. While teams like Florida State, Michigan, and Texas are all currently in playoff contention, Finebaum argues that their flaws could be exposed in a national playoff setting, where every game is critical and the margin for error is razor-thin. His critique is not just about these teams’ current records but about their overall ability to contend with the elite teams in college football.
Ultimately, Finebaum’s suggestions emphasize the importance of strength of schedule, consistent performance, and the ability to step up in big moments. As the race for the College Football Playoff heats up, these teams will likely need to prove themselves against tougher opponents to justify their places in the postseason. For fans and analysts alike, Finebaum’s insights serve as a reminder that the path to the playoff is not just about winning, but about dominating when it matters most.
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