Home » Home » VIDEO: UCF Knights Dominate Memphis Tigers 40-13, Start Season 3-0

VIDEO: UCF Knights Dominate Memphis Tigers 40-13, Start Season 3-0

By  //  October 1, 2017

travel to Cincinnati next week

VIDEO RECAP: UCF 40, Memphis 13

ORLANDO, FLORIDA (UCF KNIGHTS) – UCF (3-0, 1-0) thoroughly dominated Memphis (3-1, 0-1) in every facet of the game to the tune of a 40-13 victory on Saturday night at Spectrum Stadium. It was the American Athletic Conference opener for both squads.

The Knights ran wild over the Tigers with 350 rushing yards, led by Adrian Killins, Jr.’s career-high 115 on the ground. Quarterback McKenzie Milton ran for 88 yards and Taj McGowan added 63 yards and a rushing score.

On the defensive side, the Black and Gold held the Tigers to 75 yards on the ground and forced four turnovers.

Memphis reached UCF territory on seven drives, five of which ended in turnovers or on fourth-down stops.

Up 9-7 late in the first quarter and backed up to their own four-yard line, the Knights shifted the momentum when Killins, Jr. bounced a handoff outside all the way to the end zone, which set numerous records including the longest play from scrimmage in program history. The score opened the floodgates, as the Knights scored 36 unanswered points and rendering the highly rated Memphis offense inept.

HIGHLIGHTS: Florida State Holds Off Wake Forest 26-19 For First Win of 2017Related Story:
HIGHLIGHTS: Florida State Holds Off Wake Forest 26-19 For First Win of 2017

Milton was efficient in the pocket, throwing for 253 yards on 19-of-31 passing with three scoring tosses, leading the offense to its first 600-yard game since 2013.

UCF will look to continue its dominant form on the road next week at Cincinnati.

KEEPING IT ON THE GROUND
• Killins, Jr.’s run in the first quarter was the longest play and run from scrimmage in program history, the longest run in American Athletic Conference history, as well as the second longest play from scrimmage in the nation this season.
• The Knights had their first 300-yard rushing game since Sept. 9, 2011, against Charleston Southern.
• UCF averaged 7.1 yards per touch, led by Killins, Jr. at 12.8, followed by Milton at eight yards.

Head coach Scott Frost after the game.

Scott Frost

On his team’s performance:
“I love being these guys’ coach. That was an unbelievable performance by our guys. They were hungry to play. We beat a really good team tonight and we out-played them. They prepared well; they were excited to play; they did their jobs. This team deserves whatever it gets because they’ve earned it.”

On the offense:
“It helps when you get 96-or-something on one play right? There was a little crack for that kid to get through on that one. I call him Dash. Have you guys seen Dash from the Incredibles? That’s kind of what AK is like. He hit hit the corner and he was gone. A lot of credit goes to our receiver blocking down field and our quarterback made good decisions. Our running back was hitting holes better than we did in game one. Our own line is getting better every week. When you can run the ball, everything else opens up. The long pass to Tre’Quan (Smith) was set up by some of the runs. We have to keep that going. Cincinnati’s got a really good defense and a good defensive front too. We’re going to have to be ready.”

The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is now underway. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.

CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS