Central Florida has been beating the drum all offseason that its program is the true national champion of college football thanks to being the only FBS program left standing as an undefeated by the end of the season. Despite the undefeated mark, UCF never got a chance to prove its worth to the nation in the College Football Playoff.

According to the executive director of the CFP, there’s an explanation for that — UCF’s schedule.

During a recent radio appearance on The Opening Kickoff on WNSP-FM 105.5, CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock touched on if UCF was given fair consideration by the Playoff selection committee.

“Well, of course, they were (in consideration),” Hancock said, according to Mark Heim of AL.com. “The committee members did address it. We met about April 1 over a two-day period. We reviewed everything about how we operate. We did talk about Central Florida. The fact is when the committee is considering teams and considering their resume for the entire season, it is absolutely imperative that who they play will be a factor that is discussed. …

“The schedule is a consideration. It has to be and will continue to be.”

UCF’s best win of the season came after the Playoff selections had been made by beating Auburn in the Peach Bowl. Prior to that victory, UCF’s only win against a Power 5 opponent came in a 38-10 win at Maryland.