IRVING, Texas – For the third time this season, UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has been named American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday.
Plumlee set the Knights' program record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a single game with 176 on 18 attempts Saturday to lift UCF to a 38-31 win at then-No. 17 Tulane. The previous mark of 122 was held by Vic Penn, who accomplished the feat against Middle Tennessee in 1999.
Playing nearly two hours from his hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Plumlee ignited the Knights offense early in the game as he raced 47 yards down the field to the three-yard line to set up a Colton Boomer 25-yard field goal on the opening drive of the game. After a quick three-and-out by Tulane's offense, Plumlee took off for a 67-yard touchdown run to give the Knights a 10-0 lead on the longest rush of the season for UCF.
He found the endzone for the second time rushing on the day in the third quarter, scoring on a nine-yard run to give UCF a 31-14 lead.
Plumlee completed 17 passes for 132 yards, connecting with Javon Baker on an eight-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter. His play helped UCF record its first ranked road win since 2013 when the program defeated No. 8 Louisville, 38-35.
He earned AAC Offensive Player of the Week for the third time season, after also collecting the honor following his performances against Florida Atlantic and Temple.
UCF will return to action at home on Saturday, Nov. 19, when the Knights welcome Navy to FBC Mortgage Stadium on Senior Day. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. on ESPN2.
