Knights break out unique decals
UCF once again unveiled special decals ahead of the American Athletic Conference Championship Game against Memphis. The team wore black helmets that featured a reflective chrome UCF logo as well as a chrome sword stripe down the middle of the helmet.
While it was the first time those decals had been worn this year, the team wore similar ones twice last season for the Knights’ homecoming game and the final home game of the season. The decals were also reflective chrome, but they were featured on white helmets and included the Knightro logo.
The Knights, who unveiled four sets of uniforms that could be mixed and matched two seasons ago, have been steadily working through the 64 possible combinations and unveiled a new one against Memphis. That combo featured a black helmet, pewter jersey and black pants.
The surprise uniforms are likely not over for UCF. The final jersey and pants combination they Knights have available this season could be worn during the Knights’ bowl game. NEARLY A SELLOUT:
In UCF’s regular season finale against USF last week, the Knights played in front of a sold-out crowd. While Spectrum Stadium didn’t sell out again for Saturday’s game, it was still one of the best attended games of the season.
An announced crowd of 41,433 packed the stadium to watch the championship game. It was the secondhighest attended home game for the Knights this season and was only the third game of the year to have more than 40,000 in attendance.
Saturday’s game also broke the record for attendance at an American Conference title game. SMITH SETS RECORDS:
For Tre’Quan Smith, Saturday’s game was a chance to move up in the UCF record book. A catch midway through the second quarter gave the redshirt junior wide receiver 2,613 career receiving yards, moving him to third place on the career receiving list.
Saturday’s game was also Smith’s 11th with 100 or more receiving yards during his career, the second most in UCF history. A receiving touchdown in the third quarter also placed him third on the career touchdown reception list.
“Tre’Quan was a great player before I got here, we’re just using him,” coach
Scott Frost said “He’s got a lot of good football ahead of him and he’s one of the best teammates I’ve ever seen. Some of the things he does in practice to sacrifice and get better for the team. I’ll be a fan of his as long as he’s playing. I think it’ll be a long time.”
Sophomore wide receiver Dredrick Snelson also earned more than 100 receiving yards, giving the Knights two players with more than 100 receiving yards in a game for the first time since 2013.
WATT PRAISES GRIFFIN: Senior linebacker
Shaquem Griffin is missing his left hand, but that has not stopped him from being one of the most impressive defensive players in the American Athletic Conference. His story was featured again on ESPN’s “Game Day” Saturday, getting the attention of Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.
Watt tweeted about Griffin before Saturday’s game, posting, “Just saw your story @Shaquemgriffin incredible stuff and a true inspiration man! Wishing you all the best and looking forward to watching you today!”