Will FSU Play in a Bowl Game?
The Florida State Seminoles (FSU) are a college football powerhouse with a rich history of success on the gridiron. From their legendary coach Bobby Bowden to their current squad, the team has always had a strong presence in the college football landscape. But as we approach the end of the 2022 season, many fans are wondering one crucial question: Will FSU play in a bowl game?
The Facts
Before diving into the prediction, let’s take a look at some basic facts about FSU’s season.
- Wins and Losses: FSU finished the 2022 regular season with a 7-5 record (4-4 in ACC play).
- Bowl Eligibility: The NCAA requires a minimum of six wins to be eligible for a bowl game.
- Current Status: As of the start of the conference championships, FSU sits just short of the six-win threshold.
History of Bowl Game Participation
Under Coach Mike Norvell, the Seminoles have struggled to recapture their former glory, with mixed results on the field. However, in recent years, the team has consistently been bowl-bound.
Here’s a table highlighting FSU’s bowl game participation under Coach Norvell:
| Year | Wins | Losses | Bowl Game Participation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 6-6 | 36-31 (vs. USC) | Cheez-It Bowl |
| 2020 | 2-7 | None (COVID-19) | |
| 2021 | 5-7 | 35-33 (vs. Oklahoma) | Sun Bowl |
| 2022 | 7-5 | ??? | ??? (TBD) |
The Argument for a Bowl Game Appearance
Despite being short of the six-win mark, FSU can still make a bowl game with a combination of factors playing in their favor.
- ACC Standings: If FSU manages to move up in the ACC standings, they may be able to climb above some teams with more losses, gaining a spot in a bowl game.
- Conference Champions: Even if FSU doesn’t finish in the top of the conference standings, they could still sneak into a lower-tier bowl game, such as the Quick Lane Bowl or the EasyPost Bowl, if those teams ahead of them choose to opt-out.
- Bowl Selection Process: The NCAA takes into account multiple factors when selecting bowl teams, including fan support, team popularity, and attendance. FSU’s strong following and brand recognition could put them ahead of other teams.
The Argument Against a Bowl Game Appearance
Of course, there are valid reasons why FSU might miss out on a bowl game.
- Tough Road Ahead: As mentioned earlier, FSU still needs two more wins to be bowl-eligible. With no guarantee of victories in their next two games, it’s possible they could fall short.
- Competition for Spots: With over 70 bowl games available, it’s highly competitive for teams to snag a spot. FSU’s 7-5 record puts them squarely in the middle of the pack, and some teams with better win-loss records could take their place.
- Favoritism: Coaches and athletic directors often take into account factors beyond just the win-loss record. If FSU’s performance drops off at the end of the season or they underperform in bowl selection consideration, they might not be chosen for a bowl game.
Conclusion
Will FSU play in a bowl game? In all likelihood, yes. Although they’re just short of the six-win mark, various factors could lead to their bowl-eligibility, such as strong ACC standings or bowl selection factors. However, it’s not a guaranteed scenario, and the team must still deliver two more victories to secure a spot.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Keep an eye on FSU’s performance in their remaining games: Wins in their last two games could solidify a bowl appearance, while losses would greatly diminish those chances.
- Fan support remains crucial: Showcasing their fan base and attending games could help FSU’s chances of being chosen for a bowl game.
- The committee’s deliberations will be watched closely: In the coming weeks, as bowl game selections are made, it’ll be vital to monitor the committee’s deliberations, as FSU’s fate might hang in the balance.
Stay tuned for updates on FSU’s bowl-eligibility situation, and fingers crossed for the ‘Noles to make a magical run!