3 things we learned from the Knights’ win over Memphis
UCF avoided back-to-back losses and their fourth in the past five games thanks to a 24-7 win over AAC foe Memphis on Friday. Still, the Knights have failed for the third consecutive game to score 30 points for the first time since the 2016 season. Here are the three things we learned:
UCF sticking with two QB system
Knights coach Gus Malzahn wasn’t kidding when he said earlier in the week that UCF would use freshman Mikey Keene and Kentucky transfer Joey Gatewood at quarterback “more on the field each game.”
While Keene earned his fourth start in as many games and played in the majority of snaps, Malzahn wanting to use Gatewood more against the Tigers became evident as soon as UCF’s third drive.
After the freshman led the Knights to an opening-drive touchdown, UCF went threeand-out the next possession. Gatewood then entered and scored a touchdown of his own. The rest of the game, the two saw the field plenty, even for one play at a time as Malzahn meticulously rotated them.
While Malzahn admitted he doesn’t like playing two quarterbacks until star Dillon Gabriel (broken left collarbone) potentially returns this season, this will be the norm moving forward.
Davonte Brown has playmaking abilities
The sophomore defensive back from Plantation recorded his first career interception as well as his first sack assist and matched his career high with 7 tackles.
After UCF had three defensive backs, including Tay Gowan, selected in the 2021 NFL Draft, the position was in question. Although Brown played in all 10 games as a freshman last season, Friday’s game could serve as an introduction of sorts for the American Heritage product.
The second pass he broke up landed in the hands of safety Divaad Wilson for an interception, which prevented Memphis from reaching the end zone in the fourth quarter.
Brown showed that defensive coordinator Travis Williams can use him in multiple ways with his speed off the edge to pressure the quarterback or asking him to break up passes and create turnovers.
Isaiah Bowser’s presence is game-changing
The Northwestern transfer reminded UCF how much the Knights missed him in the backfield.
Malzahn shared after the game that Bowser still isn’t 100% as he continues to recover from a knee injury on Sept. 17, but his performance vs. the Tigers would say otherwise.
The senior running back rushed 26 times for 111 yards, his second 100-yard rushing game of the season and the sixth of his career. Malzahn said they were looking to limit Bowser closer to 20 carries.
Bowser’s usage will continue to grow as he hopes to recreate his season-opening numbers (33 carries for 172 yards) vs. Boise State. For the Knights, it’s clear he changes a lot on offense, especially considering the UCF quarterback situation.