ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF football team wasted little time getting fans excited for the second season under head coach Scott Frost on Thursday, defeating visiting FIU by a score of 61-17 at Spectrum Stadium.
Here's Why We Won
McKenzie Milton
The coaching staff had been saying all camp that the second-year quarterback had improved. They said he was looking great in practice. On Thursday, fans were able to see that come to life as Milton threw for career highs of 360 yards and four touchdowns.
Milton's previous best outing was at UConn last season when he threw for 317 yards and three touchdowns in a win over the Huskies.
That 26-point second quarter
All three phases got involved in the second quarter that helped the Knights increases their 14-7 lead after the first to a 40-10 advantage at halftime.
The offense got in the end zone three times in just under 11 minutes. Milton found freshman Gabriel Davis for a 10-yard score early in the period, while running backs Jawon Hamilton and Taj McGowan found pay dirt late in the frame.
Not to be forgotten, placekicker Matthew Wright was successful on his first field goal attempt of the 2017 season when he put one through the uprights from 44 yards out as time expired.
Big plays from the defense
- Redshirt junior Tre Neal records first career interception
- Trio of newcomers forced three fumbles; Freshman Antwan Collier, junior Mike Hughes, redshirt sophomore Shawn Burgess-Becker
- Hughes also recorded three pass break-ups in his first game at UCF
- Burgess-Becker came up with his first sack as well
Freshman Feelin'
Frost's recruiting class was highly touted for 2017 and in game one the freshmen proved that ranking correct. UCF's freshmen totaled 183 yards of offense and two touchdowns in the win over FIU. Gabriel Davis led the young wide receivers with 53 yards and a touchdown, while Otis Anderson, Emmanuel Logan-Greene and Marlon Williams all made catches on the night.
Rookie running back Cordarrian Richardson also got in on the action, finishing the game with 24 yards on seven carriers and finding the end zone in the third quarter. Noah Vedral replaced Milton under center in the third quarter, finishing 10-of-12 with 70 yards passing.
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is underway. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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