Add a little more drama to Tuesday's Fiesta Bowl matchup between No. 8 UCF (12-0) and No. 11 LSU (9-3).
LSU linebacker Devin White was asked on Saturday if he'd seen teammates' quotes that UCF would try to win a second consecutive national title against the Tigers in Scottsdale, Ariz.
The 2018 Butkus Award winner was less than complimentary of UCF's 2017 championship claim.
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“Man, I hope not. That’s one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen," White said of the claim, via The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). "It’s great media coverage for them. That’s all I know they’re looking at it is, as a media stunt.”
The Knights went 13-0 in 2017, capping their undefeated season in the Peach Bowl against No. 7 Auburn, the only team to beat both participants in the College Football Playoff national championship game: No. 3 Georgia and No. 4 Alabama. That win in the Peach Bowl spurred UCF athletics director Danny White to proclaim the team national champion after the game — and spark a national discussion on the inclusiveness of the Playoff.
The Knights have followed up in 2018 with another 12-0 run and can extend the nation's longest winning streak with another victory over an SEC West team.
White said the Knights "have done a great job" going 25-0 across two seasons. But that's still not enough to claim a national title.
“I feel like you get a chance to play in the national championship (game) and you win a national championship then you’re the national champions,” White said. “Until then, I feel like they’ve go to continue gaining respect."
