After Peach Bowl win over Auburn, UCF is the real national champion

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Players on the UCF Knights sideline react in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs on his way to scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Javaris Davis #13 and Daniel Thomas #24 of the Auburn Tigers attempt to tackle Tre'Quan Smith #4 of the UCF Knights in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Members of the Auburn Tigers cover the opening kickoff against the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to Dredrick Snelson #5 (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn defensive back Jayvaughn Myers (18) sacks Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs with the ball in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: A fan holds a sign during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl between the Auburn Tigers and the UCF Knights at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Nate Craig-Myers #3 of the Auburn Tigers makes a reception against Richie Grant #27 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers (3) makes the catch ahead of Central Florida defensive back Richie Grant (27) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Nate Craig-Myers #3 of the Auburn Tigers makes a reception against Richie Grant #27 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) leaps over Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (19) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown as UCF defensive back Tre Neal (23) hits him during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Nate Craig-Myers #3 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Tre Neal #23, Richie Grant #27 and Kyle Gibson #25 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton (10) runs as Auburn linebacker Darrell Williams (49) defends during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Dredrick Snelson #5 of the UCF Knights celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown as UCF defensive back Tre Neal (23) hits him during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs on his way to scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Eli Stove #12 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Adrian Killins Jr. #9 of the UCF Knights carries the ball in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Stephen Roberts #14 of the Auburn Tigers breaks up a pass intended for Marlon Williams #17 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Pat Jasinski #56 of the UCF Knights attempts to tackle Eli Stove #12 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Anthony Roberson #89 of the UCF Knights reacts on the sideline in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights reacts after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn defensive back Javaris Davis (13) tackles Central Florida wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (4) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn wide receiver Ryan Davis (23) leaps over Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (19) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers passes against the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs with the ball in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with Jarrett Stidham #8 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Tre'Quan Smith #4 of the UCF Knights is unable to make a reception against Javaris Davis #13 of the Auburn Tigers in the second half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers looks to pass in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with Jarrett Stidham #8 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) is greeted by Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) after scoring a touchdown Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown against UCF during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
John Bazemore / AP
Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton (10) runs out of the pocket against Auburn during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Nate Craig-Myers #3 of the Auburn Tigers makes a catch against Richie Grant #27 of the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jordyn Peters #15 of the Auburn Tigers attempts to tackle Dredrick Snelson #5 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers throws a pass in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights looks to pass in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Mike Hughes #19 of the UCF Knights and Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers battle for the ball in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Nevelle Clarke #14 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn defensive back Jayvaughn Myers (18) sacks Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham (8) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights reacts after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton (81) makes a catch ahead of Central Florida defensive back Nevelle Clarke (14) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
John Bazemore / AP
Central Florida defensive lineman Tony Guerad (93) celebrates a play against Auburn during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown as UCF defensive back Tre Neal (23) hits him during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown as UCF defensive back Tre Neal (23) hits him during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights looks to pass in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with Jarrett Stidham #8 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Eli Stove #12 of the Auburn Tigers runs with a catch against Seyvon Lowry #49 of the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with Jarrett Stidham #8 after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the Auburn Tigers looks on in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers carries the ball against the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Tony Guerad #93 of the UCF Knights celebrates after a sack in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Brandon Moore #20 of the UCF Knights attempts to tackle Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: McKenzie Milton #10 of the Central Florida Knights scrambles against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball after making a reception in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Scott Cunningham / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 1: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers is sacked by Shaquem Griffin #18 of the Central Florida Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights reacts after rushing for a first down in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Brandon Moore #20 of the UCF Knights attempts to tackle Ryan Davis #23 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) leaps over Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (19) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs with the ball as Marlon Davidson #3 of the Auburn Tigers attempts to tackle him in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn defensive back Javaris Davis (13) tackles Central Florida wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (4) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers looks to pass in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Mike Stewart / AP
Auburn wide receiver Ryan Davis (23) leaps over Central Florida defensive back Mike Hughes (19) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights celebrates with Mac Loudermilk #48 after rushing for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights runs with the ball in the first half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Montavious Atkinson #48 of the Auburn Tigers reacts next to McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Pat Jasinski #56 of the UCF Knights attempts to tackle Eli Stove #12 of the Auburn Tigers in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Players on the UCF Knights sideline react in the first half of their game against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Albert Cesare / AP
Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) is greeted by Auburn running back Kerryon Johnson (21) after scoring a touchdown Auburn wide receiver Will Hastings (33) catches a touchdown against UCF during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP)
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn wide receiver Darius Slayton (81) makes a catch ahead of Central Florida defensive back Nevelle Clarke (14) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball against Tre Neal #23 of the UCF Knights after making a reception in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights steps over Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers after making a sack in the second quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers scores a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Shaquem Griffin #18 of the UCF Knights celebrates after sacking Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers (not pictured) in the third quarter during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights fumbles the ball in the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers throws a pass in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights celebrates after rushing for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers makes a reception in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Jarrett Stidham #8 of the Auburn Tigers looks on in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball against Tre Neal #23 of the UCF Knights after making a reception in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Darius Slayton #81 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball after making a reception in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Auburn wide receiver Nate Craig-Myers (3) makes the catch ahead of Central Florida defensive back Richie Grant (27) during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Nate Craig-Myers #3 of the Auburn Tigers is tackled by Tre Neal #23, Richie Grant #27 and Kyle Gibson #25 of the UCF Knights in the first half during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Players on the UCF Knights sideline react in the second half against the Auburn Tigers during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: Kerryon Johnson #21 of the Auburn Tigers runs with the ball in the first half against the UCF Knights during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) ** OUTS - ELSENT, FPG, CM - OUTS * NM, PH, VA if sourced by CT, LA or MoD **
John Bazemore / AP
Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton (10) runs out of the pocket against Auburn during the first half of the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game, Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

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By Mike Bianchi | mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com | Orlando Sentinel

PUBLISHED: January 1, 2018 at 7:10 p.m. | UPDATED: June 30, 2019 at 12:10 a.m.

We now present to you the real college football national champions — the UCF Knights.

Undefeated.

Untied.

Unbelievable.

UCF 34, Big, bad SEC powerhouse Auburn 27.

Afterward, as the confetti rained down and thousands of euphoric fans chanted, “Un-De-Feat-Ed! Un-De-Feat-Ed!” UCF’s players donned T-shirts declaring they are the 2018 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl champions. Actually, they are more than that.

Much, much more.

This unbelievable, inconceivable UCF team will not only go down as the greatest in school history with a perfect 13-0 record, they should go down as national champions, too.

Who cares what the College Football Playoff cartel, er, committee says? All they are is a kangaroo court for college football’s privileged and powerful who have somehow convinced the American public that there is a legitimate playoff going on that excludes the nation’s only unbeaten team.

“You can just go ahead and cancel the College Football Playoff,” UCF’s magical quarterback McKenzie Milton said after riddling Auburn’s vaunted defense on land and through air and leading the nation’s No. 1-ranked scoring offense to more points than the Tigers have given up all season.

» UCF Peach Bowl win: Buy keepsake front page, Perfect Season Special Section

“There’s no more teams left to beat,” defensive leader Shaquem Griffin said after the Knights forced Jarrett Stidham, Auburn’s All-SEC quarterback, into two game-changing interceptions. “To the College Football Playoff Committee: What more can we do?”

The Knights, even though they are one of the most dominant teams in the nation, were shamefully ranked No. 12 in the final College Football Playoff ranking — five spots behind a three-loss Auburn team. Yes, the same Auburn team that played three of four playoff teams this season, manhandling both Georgia (40-17) and Alabama (26-14) late in the season and barely losing to Clemson (14-6) early in the season.

“It wasn’t right — watching the Committee every week sitting in a room and deciding this two-loss team must be better than UCF or that three-loss team must be better than UCF,” obviously perturbed coach Scott Frost said. “It looked like a conscious effort [to keep UCF out of the playoff]. Our guys deserve everything they get, and they deserve more credit from the Committee than what they got.”

By the way, anybody still think Frost shouldn’t have coached UCF in the bowl game because he accepted the job at Nebraska a month ago? Anybody still want to lambaste him because he had the audacity to accept his dream job as the new coach at his alma mater?

Frost may have only been in Orlando for two years, but he gave UCF fans the memories of a lifetime. Move over, George O’Leary, and let’s get a statue commissioned for Frost, too. Any coach who can turn a winless, woebegone team into an unflappable, undefeated team in just two years deserves some sort of permanent commemoration.

As far as farewell scenes go, Frost’s may have been the greatest goodbye scene since Rhett Butler walked out on Scarlett O’Hara at the end of Gone With the Wind, leaving her with a parting shot: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!”

In contrast, Frost is “Gone with the Win” and essentially told the Power 5 propagandists and SEC snobs, “Frankly, Paul Finebaum, I don’t give a damn.”

It was Finebaum, the controversial commentator on the SEC Network, who said UCF was not “in the same league as Auburn” and said the Tigers would “dust” UCF in the Peach Bowl. This is the sort of elitist rhetoric UCF has had to endure all season long. The Knights, once and for all, shut up the naysayers and non-believers on this cold day in Hot ’Lanta.

Milton, the magician-like quarterback, threw for two touchdowns and dodged and dived his way to 116 yards and another touchdown on the ground. Griffin, the emotional leader of the team who had his left hand amputated as a child, played — as Frost said — “like his dreadlocks were on fire.”

UCF’s offensive line, which the experts said would be annihilated by Auburn’s plethora of NFL-ready defensive linemen, allowed only one sack. UCF’s maligned defense, which had given up nearly 100 points and more than 1,400 yards during its past two games, sacked Stidham six times.

After Auburn took a 20-13 lead in the third quarter on a 4-yard run by Kerryon Johnson, the Knights could have easily folded. But you knew they wouldn’t. They never do.

This amazing team has overcome enormous obstacles all season long. They endured hurricanes and postponed games and schedule changes and playing 11 weeks in a row without a break.

“And they came here [to the Peach Bowl] with a coach who took another job and all those distractions, too,” Frost said. “I didn’t know if these guys would be able to do it. I came back [to coach the bowl game] because it was the right thing to do, and I wanted to help give them the best chance that I could. And they surprised me yet again with their resiliency and heart.”

They played with the heart of champions.

State champions.

Conference champions.

Bowl champions.

Mostly, though, as American Athletic Conference commissioner Mike Aresco so aptly put it:

“In our eyes and our minds, they are national champions.”

Email me at mbianchi@orlandosentinel.com. Hit me up on Twitter @BianchiWrites and listen to my Open Mike radio show every weekday from 6 to 9 a.m. on FM 96.9 and AM 740.