College football: 25 biggest what-ifs of the 2010s

College football: 2010s biggest what-ifs: 1. UCF doesn’t get their chance

The college football playoffs appeared to be a beautiful thing. When it came to choosing who would be playing for a National Championship, however, became somewhat random. It was an eye test more than anything else. The College Football Playoffs essentially placed an end to that but it also had its flaws.

With only four teams selected, many have complained that the minuscule amount of teams allowed, simply isn’t enough and needs to be expanded. In 2017, the University of Central Florida (UCF) had a golden season. Before the year, they were an afterthought but after running through the competition, they were firmly entrenched as a possible selection for the College Football Playoffs.

After wrapping up the year by going 12-0, UCF waited patiently as the selection committee made a decision on their title chances. In the end, they weren’t selected. Instead, they finished sixth. They watched apoplectically from the sidelines as the Clemson Tigers hoisted a National Title. It was the first time in the history of college football that a program went from winless the year prior to an undefeated season.

Since then, UCF hasn’t come close to replicating that level of success. Regardless of their hiccups over the past few seasons, the question always remains, what would have happened if UCF were amongst the four selected? Could they have won it all and proved their doubters wrong? Of course, UCF officials believe they could have but it’s a question we ultimately will never know the answer to.