Gov. Rick Scott on Monday 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 secured their final victory in the Peach Bowl on New Years Day -- beating out the Auburn Tigers 34-27. TheTigers beat both the Georgia Bulldogs and the Alabama Crimson Tide, who are playing Monday night in the last game of the College Football Playoff.
“Florida is home to the country’s best college football, and this season, UCF proved to the world that they can beat any team," Gov. Scott said. "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.”
In its entirety, the proclamation stated:
NATIONAL CHAMPION UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL FLORIDA KNIGHTS
WHEREAS, Florida is home to the country’s best college football, having claimed 11 national championships between the University of Florida, the University of Miami and Florida State University; and
WHEREAS, the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights won the American Athletic Conference Championship by beating the Memphis Tigers, 62-55, on December 2, 2017; and
WHEREAS, on January 1, 2018, the UCF Knights completed an undefeated football season by beating the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl, 34-27; and
WHEREAS, the UCF Knights are the only undefeated team in NCAA Division I football this season; and
WHEREAS, on November 11, 2017, the Auburn Tigers, who lost to the UCF Knights, beat the Georgia Bulldogs, 40-17; and
WHEREAS, on November 25, 2017, the Auburn Tigers, who lost to the UCF Knights, beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, 26-14; and
WHEREAS, the College Football Playoff final on Monday, January 8, 2018, is between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Georgia Bulldogs, who both lost to the Auburn Tigers, who lost to the UCF Knights;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby proclaim that the UCF Knights are this season’s best college football team and will be recognized as the 2017 College Football National Champions in Florida.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital, this 8th day of January, in the year two thousand eighteen.
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Governor Rick Scott