Greg Sankey was firm on his belief that the SEC had the 2 of the best 4 teams in the College Football Playoff hunt, according to ESPN’s Heather Dinich.

He reinforced his stance on the matter, referring to Alabama and Georgia as 2 of the best in the playoff mix. However, Sankey still accepted the committee’s decision to leave the Bulldogs out. Yet he was still surprised at the backlash after the decision.

“I didn’t need so many incoming emails I received,” Sankey said. “I can only imagine hearing from those on the selection committee who are volunteers what they received. I think some of the statements made in the immediacy of selection were disappointing to me as a colleague, and I would maintain that the strength of our league — sure we lost some games — but as I look at what were the four best teams, I would maintain that we had two of those four. But again, the selection committee makes that decision, and we respect the decision.”

The national championship will not have a team from the SEC for the 1st time since the 2015 CFP championship game. Oregon and Ohio State played that year and the Buckeyes won.

Michigan and Washington face off at NRG Stadium Monday night for all the marbles. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.