Knights move up a spot to No. 8 in latest rankings

UCF inched closer to a coveted college football semifinal bid, moving up another spot to No. 8 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday evening.

The Knights (11-0, 8-0 AAC) continued to pursue a playoff spot after securing a 38-10 win over rival USF Friday during the regular-season finale, extending the nation’s longest win streak to 24 games.

In the process, however, the team lost star quarterback McKenzie Milton, who suffered a gruesome leg injury during the first half against the Bulls.

Alabama remained No. 1, followed by No. 2 Clemson and No. 3 Notre Dame. The fourth spot went to Georgia. The Bulldogs moved up after Michigan lost to Ohio State Saturday.

A week after being jumped by UCF, Ohio State vaulted four spots to No. 6 with an impressive 62-39 win over the Wolverines in Columbus.

Michigan landed one ahead of UCF at No. 7.

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit suggested the Knights would have moved up to No. 7 if Milton were healthy, but losing the star player hindered the team’s move up.

Playoff chairman Rob Mullens said Milton’s injury was discussed among the committee spot members.

“The discussion did turn to UCF outscored South Florida 28-10 with the backup quarterback in there and we’re also aware that UCF played with the backup quarterback in the East Carolina game,” Mullens said, alluding to Darriel Mack Jr.’s past success leading the Knights during a previous Milton injury.

“While they may have had to