ORLANDO – Both the offensive and defensive units had their time to shine, as Gold defeated Black by a score of 38-14 in the annual UCF Spring Game, presented by Knight Pass, Saturday afternoon at the Bounce House.
After a successful, but injury-riddled first season under head coach Gus Malzahn, the Knights came into this spring more comfortable with their surroundings and aimed to improve over the five weeks of practice that culminated with Saturday's game of four, 12-minute quarters.
The offense had plenty to brag about with transfer quarterback John Rhys Plumlee throwing for four touchdowns and sophomore Mikey Keene hurling three of his own. The two combined for 471 passing yards, seven scores and just one interception.
"I think both quarterbacks did some good things," Malzahn said after the game. "Both guys responded well. There were a couple things both could have done better. Both of them are highly respected because of the character they have and the talent they have."
A trio of Knights caught two touchdown passes, as transfer wideout Kobe Hudson caught five passes for 112 yards and two scores, senior Jaylon Robinson had three catches for 126 yards and two scores, and senior Amari Johnson had four snags for 66 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Stephen Martin also caught a 3-yard touchdown.
With starting running back Isaiah Bowser being held out, Johnny Richardson did a lot of what he did last season, running for 108 yards on just nine carries. Mark-Antony Richards, Anthony Williams, and freshman Jordan McDonald all added over 30 yards on the ground.
The defensive effort was highlighted by an 80-yard interception from Jaiden Francois, and a whole lot of sacks, even though the quarterbacks weren't live. Unofficially, there were 14 in the game, led by Landon Woodson's three and Keenan Hester's one and a half.
"Defensively, we did some really good things," Malzahn said. "The interception – Francois, he's had a little bit of a hamstring (issue). I think he would have house-called that thing if he didn't have that hamstring. Landon Woodson had three sacks. We really focused on rushing the passer this spring. There were some more sacks, so that was a real plus."
Corey Thornton and Quade Mosier each tallied seven tackles, William Wells had six, and Woodson finished with five.
Daniel Obarski made the only field goal of the game, connecting from 32 yards out.