“We didn’t feel adequately rewarded given our schedule and wins against ranked or current-ranked teams. The Crimson Tide will now play in the ReliaQuest Bowl against last year’s champion, the Michigan Wolverines, in Tampa, Florida. Despite the disappointment, DeBoer mentioned that his team will make the most out of their final game of the season.
Miami Hurricanes were another team on the brink of the CFP. Led by Heisman Trophy finalist and star quarterback Cam Ward, they ended the season with a 10-2 record but were ranked No. 13 in the final CFP rankings. Miami was ranked No. 12 in the December 3 rankings, just behind the Crimson Tide, dashing their playoff hopes. Miami’s athletic director Dan Radakovich expressed frustration, pointing out Miami’s recent losses compared to Alabama’s wins.
Radakovich suggested that the timing of the final rankings should be reconsidered for future years. The Hurricanes, along with Heisman Trophy finalist Cam Ward, were left out of the 12-team playoff. Miami will now play in the Pop-Tarts Bowl against Iowa State Cyclones, competing for the new Pop-Tarts Bowl trophy.
South Carolina Gamecocks also missed the College Football Playoff, prompting Mayor Daniel Rickenmann to express disappointment on Facebook. He plans to introduce a resolution supporting the Gamecocks for the playoffs at the city council meeting, citing their hard work and positive impact on the community throughout the season. Rickenmann questioned the committee’s selection process and criteria, highlighting the team’s strength of schedule and resilience.”
South Carolina’s football team, the Gamecocks, finished their 2024 season with a 9-3 record, falling short of a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP). Despite their strong performance, Head Coach Shane Beamer expressed disappointment in the committee’s decision, citing the team’s challenging schedule and close losses to top opponents like Alabama and Ole Miss. Beamer highlighted the impact of injuries on key players and argued that this should have been taken into consideration by the selection committee.
As a result of not making the CFP, the Gamecocks are set to compete in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida, facing off against the Illinois Fighting Illini on New Year’s Eve. While the team may not have reached their ultimate goal of a playoff berth, they have the opportunity to end the season on a high note with a victory in the upcoming bowl game.
In other news, the Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffaloes, will not be featured in this year’s postseason tournament. Despite Hunter’s exceptional season, where he excelled both as a wide receiver and cornerback, his team fell short of qualifying for the playoffs. Hunter’s remarkable versatility was evident in his substantial playing time, averaging an astonishing 118 snaps per game spread across offense and defense.
Throughout the season, Hunter led the Buffaloes in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, showcasing his impact on both sides of the ball. His standout performance was a key factor in Colorado’s success, despite ultimately missing out on a shot at competing for a national championship. Instead, the Buffaloes are set to face the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl, providing Hunter with one final opportunity to showcase his skills on a big stage.
As the college football season draws to a close, these developments serve as a reminder of the highs and lows that teams and players experience in the pursuit of excellence on the gridiron. While some may fall short of their goals, the resilience and determination displayed by individuals like Travis Hunter and teams like the South Carolina Gamecocks demonstrate the enduring spirit of competition in collegiate athletics.
