DURHAM — Chick-fil-A Bowl president Gary Stokan wants to set the record straight: His bowl always wanted No. 22 Duke.

Speaking Thursday during a news conference at the Blue Devils’ team headquarters, Stokan shot down rumors that he would have preferred another ACC team in his bowl.

He says he “understands there’s been some mention of politics” but adds that “there was no doubt in our minds” about Duke.

Stokan adds that “there was nothing that went on behind the scenes” about possibly choosing another ACC school — possibly Miami or Virginia Tech — ahead of Duke.

The Blue Devils (10-3) will play No. 20 Texas A&M (8-4) on Dec. 31 in the Atlanta-based bowl.