Greg Sankey 'disappointed' in backlash to final CFP ranking - ESPN

HOUSTON — SEC commissioner Greg Sankey told ESPN he was «disappointed in the acrimony» that ensued following the College Football Playoff selection committee's controversial final ranking last month, which for the first time excluded an undefeated Power 5 champion in Florida State.

The CFP selection committee chose No. 1 Michigan, No. 2 Washington, No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Alabama at the expense of the undefeated ACC champion and No. 5 FSU. Both Texas and Alabama had one loss and ended the season with a defeat in their respective CFP semifinal games.

Committee members have received significant backlash, including threats, since the group's most debatable decision in a decade of the CFP and conspiracy theories have run rampant on social media platforms.

«I didn't need so many incoming emails I received,» Sankey said. «I can only imagine hearing from those on the selection committee who are volunteers what they received. I think some of the statements made in the immediacy of selection were disappointing to me as a colleague, and I would maintain that the strength of our league — sure we lost some games — but as I look at what were the four best teams, I would maintain that we had two of those four.

»But again, the selection committee makes that decision, and we respect the decision."

Immediately following the reveal, Florida State athletic director Michael Alford released a scathing statement in which he called the committee's decision «unforgivable.» ACC commissioner Jim Phillips called it «unfathomable,» saying it «calls into question the selection process and whether the Committee's own guidelines were followed.»

On Sunday, Phillips told ESPN by text that he will continue to defend the conference.

«As the ACC