UCF has put up
impressive numbers this season and aims to build on that success during a homecoming matchup with East Carolina.
The UCF football coaching staff has made it a point this week to warn against putting the Knights in too much of a positive light.
UCF coaches say there is too much work to be done to rest on any laurels earned during the Knights’ first four games of the season.
Oh, but it’s so tempting, especially with the way UCF dismantled Cincinnati in just two-anda-half quarters Saturday night, routing the Bearcats 51-23. The Knights scored on seven of their eight possessions and were nearly flawless on offense.
“That was one of the best offensive performances I’ve been a part of,” UCF offensive coordinator Troy Walters said. “Any time the punter doesn’t step on the field, you’re doing good things. … Seven of eight touchdowns, time of possession 15 minutes and we scored 51 points. Guys were clicking on all cylinders.
“I think it gave [the players] confidence that, ‘Hey, if we’re on
our game, man, we’re hard to stop and we can put up a lot of points.’ ”
Yes, this UCF engine is fine-tuned and with 1-5 East Carolina in the house for homecoming tonight, there’s no reason to think the Knights might suffer any sort sputtering offensive setback. No. 22 UCF has been more than impressive in jumping out to the first 4-0 start in its Football Bowl Subdivision era, especially on offense.
Entering tonight’s American Athletic Conference contest, the Knights are flying high, leading the nation in scoring at 47.5 points per game.
With ECU entering the game ranked last in scoring defense — 47.8 points allowed per game — the odds are not stacked in the Pirates’ favor. UCF is favored by 36 points against ECU.
So it’s easy to figure UCF will have an easy time of it against an ECU team that gave up 61 points to the Knights’ AAC rival USF two weeks ago. But if one needs more ammunition, there is plenty.
UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton is off to an amazing start to his sophomore season, a complete reversal of fortunes for a guy who ended last season on a sour note. He directed the Knights’ struggling offense to three games to close the 2016 season, managing just 13 points during a frustrating Cure Bowl loss to Arkansas State.
Milton was even mentioned this week among front-runners in what Sirius XM radio personality and former coach Rick Neuheisel calls his Greisman Trophy watch list, his mythical award for Group of 5 schools to counter the Heisman Trophy that is typically awarded to Power 5 athletes. The numbers certainly back up the kudos. Milton is second in the country in passing efficiency with a passer rating of 203.7. He’s sandwiched between Heisman Trophy contenders Baker Mayfield of Oklahoma (214.1) and Mason Rudolph (186.2) of Oklahoma State.
Milton is also No. 2 in yards per pass completion (16.88) and he is No. 10 in total offense at 339.3 yards per game and No. 19 in passing yards per game (291.3). Milton’s passing efficiency has been helped immensely by the play of receiver Tre’Quan Smith, who is tied for No. 2 nationally with seven touchdown catches, tied for No. 3 in scoring at 12 points per game and No. 11 in yards per reception at 22.7.
So far, the formula is working and it’s been pretty fun for Milton and his crew.
“Any time you step out on the football field, it’s a blessing and you just want to go out there and have fun,” Milton said.
Stadium update
UCF has filed a lawsuit against companies that built Spectrum Stadium, highlighting rust issues and other defects throughout the venue. Ahead of a homecoming matchup, the Knights stressed fans should know the stadium has been tested extensively and is safe should a full house turn out to cheer on UCF.
“The stadium is safe. We are dealing with long-term repair and remediation issues and our lawsuit is about assigning those costs,” UCF spokesman Chad Binette said in a statement. “Any urgent needs have been addressed. Engineers evaluated the stadium before the season, as takes place every year, and found it to be safe.”