ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF football team is the only undefeated squad in the nation on Sunday. The Knights are 12-0 after defeating Memphis 62-55 in overtime in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game Saturday.
Here's Why We Won
Our #UCFast Firepower came to play
The top two scoring teams in the nation lived up to the hype on Saturday, but in the end we were able to come away with the victory, scoring an American Athletic Conference Champions Game record 62 points.
We accounted for 726 yards of total offense, the most we've recorded this season, and just 92 yards off the all-time UCF record of 818 set in 1992. Saturday marked the fourth time this season we've scored more than 60 points and the ninth that we've put up at least 40.
We spread the wealth once again, as six different guys scored touchdowns.
- McKenzie Milton: 5 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD
- Tre'Quan Smith: 2 receiving TDs
- Dredrick Snelson: 2 receiving TDs
- Otis Anderson: 1 rushing TD
- Adrian Killins Jr.: 1 rushing TD
Shaquem Griffin stepped up again in his final home game
An emotional leader, Griffin has made plays time-and-time-again the last two seasons. Saturday was no different. The senior recorded two key sacks, had a pass break-up and recovered a fumble in the victory over the Tigers.
Griffin, last year's Defensive Player of the Year in the conference, now has 5.5 sacks and 10 tackles-for-loss on the season. He has forced two fumbles and recovered two, and has an interception.
Milton was as OUTSTANDING as ever
There was no doubt who would be named The American Championship Game's Most Outstanding Player when the Knights hoisted the trophy. McKenzie Milton made our nation leading offense go and he did so again on Saturday.
Milton was 28-of-40 for 494 yards and five passing touchdowns. He also ran for 68 yards on 11 carries and found the end zone once with his feet. His 562 yards of total offense was the most ever in a single game by a Knight.
His dream season continued on the biggest of stages, breaking a number of program records on Saturday. Milton set new UCF marks for single season passing touchdowns (35) and passing yards (3,795).
Tre Neal came up with the biggest play in the biggest moment
In a game highlighted by two of the best offenses in the nation, it was a defensive play that won the game. Tre Neal intercepted Riley Ferguson in overtime to seal the victory for us. It was the third pick of the season for the junior.
"We were in man coverage and just tried to pressure them and my dude blocked so I just zoned off and I saw the ball come to me, so I just jumped and grabbed it. I mean nothing really else to it. Those guys got to the quarterback and made him panic and I just had to execute like I could." – Tre Neal
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