Sept. 24, 2005
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Marshall at UCF - Game Notes
September 24, 2005
Florida Citrus Bowl
Team Notes
UCF defeated Marshall 23-13 to snap the nation's longest losing streak at 17 games. The Golden Knights moved to 1-0 in Conference USA and 1-2 on the season while Marshall dropped to 1-2.
The last time UCF won a game was Oct. 25, 2003 vs. Central Michigan. The Golden Knights defeated the Chippewas 31-13 on homecoming at the Florida Citrus Bowl. It has been 700 days since UCF topped Central Michigan.
Tonight's game was the inaugural Conference USA game for UCF and Marshall. The contest also marked the first C-USA game in any sport for the Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights limited Marshall to just 11 yards rushing, the third lowest total in UCF history. UCF has only held two other opponents to 11 or fewer yards rushing. The team held Louisiana-Monroe to -20 yards rushing on Oct. 21, 2000 and limited Louisiana Tech to -7 on Oct. 23, 1999.
Game captains for UCF were senior place-kicker Matt Prater and senior linebacker James Cook.
UCF donned gold jerseys for the first time since the 1995 season.
UCF jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. The last time UCF led 14-0 to start a game was Nov. 2, 2002 vs. Syracuse.
UCF led 17-0 at halftime, its first halftime lead in 18 games. The last time UCF held a lead at halftime was Oct. 23, 2003 vs. Central Michigan (21-13). The CMU contest was also the last time UCF has won a game (31-13).
The 17-point halftime lead was UCF's largest halftime advantage since November 23, 2002 at Miami of Ohio. The Golden Knights led the RedHawks 28-10 at the break en route to a 48-31 victory.
Player Notes
Kevin Smith was the first true freshman to start at tailback for UCF since Gerod Davis at Samford (11/21/92). He scored his first career rushing touchdown on a one-yard run in the second quarter.
True freshman Travis Barr made his first career start at middle linebacker for the Golden Knights.
True freshman Antonio Wallace earned playing time on special teams and became the eighth true freshmen to play for UCF this season.
Junior punter Aaron Horne pinned Marshall at its own two-yard line with a season-best 61-yard punt in the first quarter.
Junior DE Kareem Reid recorded his first career sack in the second quarter.
Redshirt freshman FS Sha'reff Rashad recorded his first career interception to end a Marshall scoring threat in the final minute of the first half.
Senior PK Matt Prater booted two field goals and an extra point to move into sixth place in UCF scoring history with 191 points.