UCF declared National Football Champions in Florida by Governor Scott

Author: Associated Press
Published: Updated:
Scott Proclaims UCF Knights Football National Champions in Florida. Credit: Office of Gov. Rick Scott

Unbeaten UCF celebrated its self-proclaimed national championship with a parade at Disney World Monday.

Gov. Scott also proclaimed UCF Knights National Champions in Florida with a declaration.

The Knights (13-0) finished with the only perfect season in the Football Bowl Subdivision with a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn, which during the regular season beat both Alabama and Georgia.

UCF feels its accomplishment in winning the American Athletic Conference championship was undervalued by the CFP selection committee, which listed the Knights 12th in the panel’s final rankings.

After beating Auburn on New Year’s Day, UCF athletic director said the Knights were declaring themselves national champions and intend to hang a championship banner at the school’s stadium. In addition, the coaching staff is going to be paid bonuses for winning the self-proclaimed title.

The celebration, also featuring UCF cheerleaders and the school’s marching band, began with Sunday’s parade down Main Street, USA at Disney World. It resumes Monday night with a pep rally and free block party in downtown Orlando.

Central Florida football players Shaquem Griffin, left, and McKenzie Milton wave to fans during the a parade at Walt Disney World in the Magic Kingdom on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (Jacob Langston/Orlando Sentinel via AP)

Gov. Scott Proclaims UCF Knights Football National Champions in Florida

Monday, Governor Rick Scott issued a proclamation declaring the University of Central Florida Knights football team as national champions in Florida after their undefeated, 13-0 season.

The UCF Knights beat the Auburn Tigers 34-27 in the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day. This season, the Auburn Tigers beat both the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide, who played in the last game of the College Football Playoff. To view the proclamation, click HERE.

Governor Rick Scott said, “Florida is home to the country’s best college football, and this season, UCF proved to the world that they can beat any team. By having a perfect season and beating the only team that defeated both Alabama and Georgia this season, the UCF Knights are clearly champions. I wish both teams good luck tonight in Atlanta. Charge On.”

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