Earlier this week, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) demanded answers as to why his state's Florida State University Seminoles are not heading to the college football playoffs.
Meanwhile, Alabama U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) are pushing back against the likes of Scott and other critics of the College Football Playoff Selection Committee's decision.
Scott alleged the NCAA was influenced by outside financial interests and requested to see all communication records between members of the selection committee and individuals not formally affiliated with the college football playoff.
Although she did not directly address Scott's effort, Britt defended her alma mater's selection for the playoffs.
"The Committee made the correct decision. Alabama is undoubtedly one of the four best teams in the nation," Alabama's junior U.S. Senator said to 1819 News. "The Tide went undefeated in the SEC, the toughest conference in the nation. And groans we all heard from the Michigan watch party when it was announced they're playing Alabama only prove the Committee got it right. Ultimately, all of the noise and complaints are going to motivate Saban's team even more come January 1, when the Tide will let all the naysayers know once again. Roll Tide!"
Tuberville, when he was the head coach of the Auburn Tigers, can relate to the disappointment of being left out of a chance to play for a national title.
In 2004, an undefeated Auburn led by Tuberville was left out of the national championship game played in the Orange Bowl. USC defeated Oklahoma in a 55-19 blowout.
During his weekly video call with the press, Tuberville was asked how he thought the Alabama versus Michigan game would go.
"It will be interesting," Alabama's senior U.S. Senator said. "I think by far Alabama's got the most speed. You know in a football game speed usually and quickness, and athleticism usually plays a part of winning. Alabama is very talented. They've gotten much better. The quarterback is much improved."
He did think the Committee may have made a wrong decision regarding Michigan.
He said, "I haven't seen much of Michigan. I thought they would be the team left out, simple fact that they were breaking the rules during the year. I thought it would be a better scenario where Michigan would be left out, and not a team that was undefeated that had done everything they possibly could. I know about getting left out, which happened to me and the Auburn Tigers in 2004. It's really unfair. But I think the Michigan-Alabama will be a good game. Look forward to watching it."
Alabama will play Michigan in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. on January 1 at 4 p.m. CT for a chance to play the winner of the Texas-Washington Sugar Bowl matchup for the national championship.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email Bradley.Cox@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
