Nick Saban admits Florida State ‘did everything they could’ to get into College Football Playoff after his Alabama team beat UNDEFEATED ACC champs for fourth and final spot

Nick Saban's Alabama defeated Florida State to reach last place in the College Football Playoff, but the coach sympathizes with the Seminoles after their undefeated season went unrewarded.

Florida State defeated Louisville on Saturday to win the ACC Championship and finish the year 13-0, but fell to fifth in the Playoff rankings after Alabama defeated former No. 1 ranked Georgia in the SEC Championship .

It's the first time an undefeated Power Five winner has failed to make the Playoff since the system began in 2014, and Saban said the Seminoles did “everything they could” to reach the national semifinals.

“This is just one of those years where — and there have been other years like this — where someone who maybe deserved it was left out,” Saban said. CBS Sports.

“Florida State certainly did everything it could to reach the playoffs by remaining undefeated. Unfortunately, they won't get that opportunity, likely due to their quarterback's injury.”

Alabama head coach Nick Saban celebrates after beating Georgia in the SEC championship

Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending leg injury on Nov. 18 against North Alabama.

And while the Seminoles remained undefeated after Travis went down, they didn't exactly have the same high-powered offense as they combined for 40 points in wins against Florida and Louisville.

The quarterback wrote that he was “heartbroken” at X.

'In such disbelief (at this moment) he said. “I wish my leg broke earlier this season so you all could see that this team is much more than just a quarterback. I thought results matter. 13-0 and this roster matches every team in the top 4 rankings. I'm so sorry. Go Noles!'

ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips also denounced the commission's decision to censure Florida State.

Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis suffered a season-ending injury on November 18

“It is unfathomable that Florida State, an undefeated champion of the Power Five conference, was left out of the College Football Playoff,” he said. “Their exclusion calls into question the selection process and whether the committee's own guidelines were followed, including the paramount importance of being an undefeated Power Five conference champion.

“My heart breaks for the talented FSU student-athletes and coaches and their passionate and loyal fans. Florida State deserved better. College football deserved better.”

Alabama, meanwhile, earned the No. 4 spot after coming in at No. 8 on Saturday and will face No. 1 Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Florida State plays Georgia in Orange Bowl.