Big 12 commissioner: 'It's fair' that UCF was left out of playoff

Despite not being selected for the College Football Playoff, UCF is claiming its own national championship after a perfect 13-0 season, including a Peach Bowl win over Auburn.

The fact the Knights weren't even selected for the playoff has caused many to suggest the tournament be expanded from four teams to eight. Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby doesn't agree, and he thinks the CFP was fair to UCF because the school wouldn't be undefeated in a Power 5 conference.

"It's fair because playing in the American Athletic is not the same as playing in the Big Ten or the SEC or the Big 12. It's just not," Bowlsby told ESPN's Heather Dinich. "They have some big games, but they don't have an Iowa State who can beat a second-ranked Oklahoma. The depth of those leagues and the quality at the top, getting ready for one game against Auburn, that's a lot different than playing Auburn every week."

It's interesting that Bowlsby mentions Iowa State, as the Cyclones just beat Memphis 21-20 in the Liberty Bowl. The Knights played the Tigers twice this season, winning both meetings by a combined 102-68 scoreline.

While we'll never know if UCF would have gone undefeated in a Power 5 conference in 2017, the American Athletic Conference is making its name on the biggest stage. Since the CFP was established three years ago, teams from the conference are 2-0 against Power 5 opponents in New Year's Six bowls.