The College Football Playoff is a big success, according to its executive director.

Oh sure, Central Florida fans would disagree, but they would be in the minority.

Bill Hancock, the executive director of the CFP, joined me and Lee Shirvanian on "The Opening Kickoff" on WNSP-FM 105.5 on Wednesday to discuss the state of the college football postseason and those persistent UCF Knights.

"It's enormously popular," Hancock said of the CFP. "We do surveys every year. We want to know what fans are thinking.

"The committee has something like an 87 percent favorable rating. The CFP, itself, has a favorable rating at over 80 percent. People love the playoffs."

Most people, except perhaps those loyal to the Knights. UCF defeated Auburn 34-27 in the Peach Bowl and finished undefeated yet didn't make the CFP.

Despite Alabama winning the College Football Playoff, UCF claimed a national title, got national championship rings for its players and held a championship parade at nearby Walt Disney World. The school's police department even painted "UCF national champions" on its squad cars.

"Well, of course, they were (in consideration)," Hancock said. "The committee members did address it. We met about April 1 over a two-day period. We reviewed everything about how we operate. We did talk about Central Florida. The fact is when the committee is considering teams and considering their resume for the entire season, it is absolutely imperative that who they play will be a factor that is discussed. ...

"The schedule is a consideration. It has to be and will continue to be."

Hancock praised the Knight for their season, something he has done since the season ended.

He added the Knights have "enjoyed the time" since the CFP ended but reiterated "you have to evaluate who they built that record against."

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.