Florida governor declares undefeated UCF college football national champions

Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R) on Monday declared that the undefeated University of Central Florida (UCF) will be recognized as the 2017 college football national champions in the state, despite the team not making the College Football Playoff.

The National Champions, @UCF_Football. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/9uSSwtJzuO

— Jimmy Patronis (@JimmyPatronis) January 8, 2018

The UCF Knights finished their season 13-0 after the team beat Auburn in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. However, the team plays in the American Athletic Conference, and as a result of its weak schedule was left out of the playoffs.

Scott reasoned, however, that the team beat Auburn, which in turn defeated both Georgia and Alabama. Those two teams will play Monday night for the national championship in Atlanta.

UCF last week declared itself national champions as well. Athletics Director Danny White said the school will host a championship parade, will hang a banner in its stadium and will pay its football coaches “championship” bonuses.

Perfection achieved. #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/cLJb8MrJLw

— 2017 National Champions (@UCF_Football) January 2, 2018

State Rep. Mike Miller (R) last week wrote to President Trump, asking him to invite the team to the White House to recognize its achievement.

. @realDonaldTrump The @UCFKnights are the only undefeated team ⚡️13-0 in college football’s Division 1 Football The odds @UCF_Football overcame to reach college football ⚔️PERFECTION are unprecedented. #FloridaPolitics #PeachPerfect #REALNationalChampions pic.twitter.com/IMyXftfw3N

— Mike Miller (@Mike_Miller_FL) January 5, 2018

Trump is set to appear at Monday night’s national championship game. Groups including the NAACP intend to protest his visit.