By "struggling" do you mean by not having big double-digit wins against ranked opponents like Oregon, Oregon State, and Utah? I guess? They beat ranked opponents Oregon twice, USC, Utah, and Oregon State. Florida State dominated LSU, beat Louisville by nine points, and beat Clemson, the only ranked opponents they've played. Florida State's strength of schedule is 55th while Washington's is 11th and Alabama's 5th. Florida State almost blew a 21-point lead on Boston College, needed overtime against Clemson, and trailed at home in the second half to Duke before Riley Leonard exited with an injury.
Texas also beat Alabama. Alabama beat the reigning two-year champion, Georgia. Ultimately, the committee wasn't going to let Alabama, who just beat the #1 team in the SEC Championship, or an undefeated Washington team who beat a Top 10 Oregon twice to include the PAC-10 Championship, sit at home and give it to an ACC team who played weaker opponents. Why? Too much money left on the table and the people didn't want to see an FSU team just boat-raced by a stronger SEC, Big 12, PAC-10, or Big 10 team.,