FIFY
When I was 19 I wanted to go to the bars with my friends, but I wasn't 21 obviously. To get into the bar, I was required to be two years older (like the law says). Then I got a fake ID and tried to use it at the door once, but the door guy spotted the expired date on the fake ID and told me to leave and go find a house party. I almost got in.
Iowa wanted to get into the college football playoff, but wasn't good enough obviously. To get into the college football playoff, they were required to actually beat a few good teams (like top 15 good). They didn't do that, the committee spotted the holes in Iowa's weak resume and told them to leave and go to the Rose Bowl where they'll actually play someone good. Iowa almost got in.