As the college football-watching world prepares for the College Football Playoff national championship between Michigan and Washington, Greg Sankey reacted to the backlash the committee got for the final rankings.

The SEC commissioner told ESPN he was “disappointed in the acrimony” last month after the CFP rankings excluded undefeated ACC champion in Florida State.

“I didn’t need so many incoming emails I received,” Sankey told ESPN. “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.”

One-loss teams (No. 3 Texas and No. 4 Alabama) joined undefeated Big Ten champ Michigan (No. 1) and undefeated Pac-12 champ Washington (No. 2), which ignited a huge debate from coast to coast.

On Saturday, Sankey pointed to his thoughts on Georgia, who had a 29-game win streak snapped by Alabama 27-24 in the SEC Championship Game, being left out of the CFP.

“The morning of selection we had prepared a statement that said we have a different view, but we’re not going to point fingers and cast blame,” he said. “We’re going to focus on how do we improve and prepare for the 12-team playoff? That’s it. … I think three or four times we’ve had the fifth-ranked team. Do I think every decision has been perfect? No, but that the authority we allocated.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.