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UCF celebrates self-proclaimed national title at Disney World

UCF wide receive Tre'Quan Smith (4) celebrates with UCF offensive lineman Jake Brown (77) after UCF defeated Auburn 34-27 in the Peach Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. (Albert Cesare / Associated Press)
Associated Press

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Unbeaten University of Central Florida celebrated its self-proclaimed national championship with a parade at Disney World on the eve of the College Football Playoff final.

The Knights (13-0) finished with the only perfect season in the Football Bowl Subdivision with a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn, which during the regular season beat both Alabama and Georgia, who’ll meet in the CFP championship game Monday night in Atlanta.

UCF feels its accomplishment in winning the American Athletic Conference championship was undervalued by the CFP selection committee, which listed the Knights 12th in the panel’s final rankings.

After beating Auburn on New Year’s Day, UCF athletic director said the Knights were declaring themselves national champions and intend to hang a championship banner at the school’s stadium. In addition, the coaching staff is going to be paid bonuses for winning the self-proclaimed title.

The celebration, also featuring UCF cheerleaders and the school’s marching band, began with Sunday’s parade down Main Street, USA at Disney World. It resumes Monday night with a pep rally and free block party in downtown Orlando.