UCF lights up Memphis with statement win to improve to 3-0

Written by Sara Strom
The UCF Knights were finally able to take on the Memphis Tigers. This was the second attempt for this match up as Hurricane Irma postponed the initial scheduled game. Going in to the game, both teams were undefeated and eager to keep it that way. However, the school that dubbed themselves UCFast, proved to be just that, racing to a 40-13 blowout AAC victory.

Memphis deferred to start the game and the Knights received possession. After a slow start, UCF running back Taj McGowan rushed 29 yards and scored on a one-yard touchdown with eight minutes left in the first quarter. With a failed extra point attempt, the Knights led the Tigers 6-0.

Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson completed a 33-yard pass to bring the Tigers into scoring range. Ferguson completed a two-yard pass to running back Patrick Taylor Jr. and with the extra point, Memphis led 7-6 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter UCF running back Adrian Killins had the biggest play of the game when he rushed for a 96-yard touchdown. UCF head coach Scott Frost spoke about Killins and his ability after the game.

“AK is the type of guy that is a big play waiting to happen, we can’t force feed him 40 carries a game but man if he touches it 12 times something good is going to happen so we are going to give it to him when we can and keep him healthy,” said Frost.

Ferguson’s struggles continued as he threw another interception. Shortly after, UCF quarterback Milton completed a touchdown pass to wide receiver Tre’Quan Smith. UCF headed into halftime with a 23-7 lead over Memphis.

In the third quarter, Memphis was unable to get anything going and UCF continued to roll. Milton hit Killins on a 19-yard touchdown pass increasing their lead to 30-7.

UCF started the fourth quarter with the ball and Milton proceeded to complete a 25-yard touchdown pass to Smith. With this score, UCF had a 30-point lead over Memphis. Offensively, Memphis continued to struggle and UCF once again capitalized with a field goal to take a 40-7 lead.

Memphis finally got back on the board as time expired but it was far too late as UCF won by a score of 40-13.

The Knights now stand at 3-0 and 1-0 in the AAC “I love being these guys coach, they are hungry to play, they did their jobs,” said Frost after the game. When asked about possibly being ranked 25th in tomorrow’s poll he responded, “I don’t really care where they rank us, we are pretending these first three games didn’t happen, we have eight games in front of us.” The Knights play at Cincinnati next Saturday, October 7th, 8:00pm ET.

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