Eager to hit the road
UCF embraces chance to silence the crowd at hostile Memphis
There’s no place like home. That adage holds true for the UCF Knights, who haven’t lost a game inside the friendly confines of Spectrum Stadium since November 2016 and have defeated their four home opponents this season by an average margin of nearly 30 points.
However, there was a feeling this week that the Knights are eager for a change of scenery. They haven’t played on the road since their season opener Aug. 30 at UConn. Six weeks later, a few players have talked openly about how much they are anticipating Saturday’s kickoff at Memphis, a locale No. 10 UCF hasn’t visited since 2013.
“It’s fun to play the road games and kind of get that hostile environment,” UCF senior left tackle Wyatt Miller said of the game that will start at 3:30 p.m. Saturday and air on ABC or ESPN2. “I’ve never played in Memphis, so I don’t know what to expect. I think that adds an element of surprise and an element of this is why you play the game: To hear that roar and to hear people screaming at you. … That’s fun. I like that. I’m excited.”
Perhaps no Knight receives more heat from opposing fans than quarterback McKenzie Milton. As the face of the program and the engine for one of college football’s most potent offenses, Milton is an easy target. He knows it, and at least sometimes, he hears the vitriol that is slung his way.
“I kind of chuckle and laugh sometimes at some of the things they say, but for the most part, it’s blocked out,” Milton said. “I think while the game’s going on, you don’t hear too much of what’s going on in the stands.”
Of course, there is a simple way for the Knights to stem the flow of verbal refuse: make big plays. Senior safety Kyle Gibson is looking forward to those moments.
“Just knowing that people are against you, it’s like you’re almost looking to silence the crowd,” he said. “When they are quiet, you know you did something right. I kind of like that feeling.”
UCF coach Josh Heupel hasn’t faced the hostility of a road crowd as a player for nearly 15 years. But his competitive fire still burns brightly, and he still relishes the chance to be a part of big games in antagonistic surroundings.
“I’ve always liked it as a competitor, being on the road,” Heupel said. “You’re going against the 11 guys on the field, but there’s an environment and a culture that you are competing against, too. I think that brings the best out of you.
“Saturday afternoon at 3:30 Eastern, we’re going to be ready to go kick off. Play aggressive, call it aggressive and go attack.”
Smith’s big TD: More than 10 million people watched Monday night as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees became the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards. The moment felt extra special for the Knights, who were watching as Brees broke the record on a 62-yard touchdown pass to rookie wideout and former UCF player Tre’Quan Smith.
Milton and wide receiver Dredrick Snelson both said they contacted Smith after the game to congratulate him on being a part of NFL history. But neither were surprised that Smith, who went on to tally the second touchdown of his NFL career later that night, was the man on the other end of Brees’ record-setting throw.
“That’s just Tre’Quan, man. That’s what he does,” Snelson said.
Milton said the moment was “something special to watch, and I’m proud of Tre’Quan.”
The record-setting ball is now resting inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. When asked what he thinks about Smith already being a part of the Hall of Fame just five games into his NFL career, Milton said, “It’s awesome. It’s just a testament that all of those guys who are here now can maybe get to that point.”