College football icon Lee Corso has ignited major debate across the sports world after boldly stating that a three-loss SEC team — namely Alabama, Ole Miss, or South Carolina — should have been included in the College Football Playoff over one of the teams that actually made it. His statement came during a high-profile segment on ESPN’s College GameDay, and it’s already sending shockwaves through the college football community.
“They Got It Wrong”
Corso, never one to shy away from strong opinions, delivered his verdict with authority:
“I’ve watched football long enough to know one thing — if you put Alabama, Ole Miss, or South Carolina on that playoff stage, they would’ve made more noise than what we got. The committee got it wrong.”
According to Corso, the strength of the SEC schedule, the toughness of inter-conference battles, and the late-season improvement of all three teams should have outweighed the blemish of multiple early losses.
He particularly emphasized Alabama’s resurgence, stating that “no team in the country was hotter in the last six weeks than the Crimson Tide.” Corso cited the experience of quarterback play, defensive intensity, and coaching pedigree as reasons any of those SEC teams would have fared better on the national stage.
The Actual College Football Playoff Lineup
This year’s playoff lineup featured:
- Michigan
- Washington
- Florida State
- Texas
While all teams earned their spot with impressive records, Corso was especially critical of Florida State, who entered the playoff undefeated but lost key players, including their star quarterback, to injury late in the season.
“Without Jordan Travis, that Florida State team was not the same. The committee saw it. The whole country saw it. The SEC teams were stronger, deeper, and more playoff-ready,” Corso said.
Backlash and Support
Corso’s comments have sparked immediate reaction from fans, coaches, and analysts.
- SEC fans were quick to rally behind him, praising his honesty and calling for future reform of the selection process.
- On the other hand, Florida State and Group of Five supporters called Corso’s take biased and accused him of favoring the SEC regardless of merit.
Sports analyst Kirk Herbstreit, Corso’s long-time colleague, added context:
“Lee’s point comes from a competitive standpoint. If we’re talking about the best teams and not just records, then yes, there’s a case for Bama or Ole Miss. But that’s the eternal debate — resume vs. eye test.”
The Case for Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina
- Alabama: Despite three early-season losses, the Crimson Tide surged late, defeating top-ranked Georgia in the SEC Championship and showcasing elite-level talent across the board.
- Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin’s squad was explosive on offense and gritty on defense. They knocked off several ranked opponents and closed the season strong.
- South Carolina: While less conventional, Corso believes their end-of-season fight and quarterback play made them a dark horse capable of upsetting anyone.
What This Means Going Forward
Corso’s statement underscores a larger issue that continues to plague college football: how to balance team records with team capability. With the 12-team playoff format launching next season, debates like this may be less intense — more teams will have a shot to prove themselves on the field.
But for now, Corso’s fiery take adds fuel to an already controversial playoff year and proves that, even in his 80s, the legendary broadcaster remains one of the sport’s most compelling voices.
