Knights vow not to take win over Tulane for granted
As the seconds ticked off the scoreboard clock at the Bounce House Saturday afternoon, UCF players and coaches could breathe a sigh of relief. Twenty-eight days had passed since the Knights last experienced a victory, making the 51-34 win over Tulane sweeter.
Back-to-backl osses to Tulsa and Memphis left the program facing its first losing streak since the 2016 campaign. It also effectively ended any hope so fan American Athletic Conference championship and a possible return to a New Year’s Six Access Bowl game.
But for a program that’s won 38 of its past 44 games dating to 2017, winning has been the benchmark for success at UCF.
“We can’t take winning for granted. It’s hard ,” said U CF quarter back Dillon Gabriel, whole ads the nation in passing with 2,178 yards and 19 touchdowns. “Everyone in the country prepares towin, and in one game there is only one winner.”
U CF running back Greg M cC rae said the Knights appreciate the win over Tulane even though they’ve earned many victories the past few years.
“As Coach says, winning is fragile and we have a lot of success here,” said McCrae, who finished with a season-high 162 rushing yards against Tulane for his best performance since he gained 206 yards against Memphis in the AAC Championship Game in 2018. “Being able to win at any level, any time, any place, anywhere is a
blessing.”
Receiver Mar lon Williams said the Knights have high expectations everyweek.
“Every time thatwe step on the field, we need to win,” he said.
The Knights continued their torrid offensive pace with 689 yards against the GreenWave. It was the fourth time this season the team has put up at least 600 yards in a game, and the Knights’ 646.8 yards per game average is the best in the country.
After struggling on third downs during losses to Tulsa and Memphis, UCF managed to convert 10-of-17 (58%) third downs, including going 7-for-7 in third-and-short situations. But even that could have been better.
“There were seven more that we could have got,” said Gabriel, who was 3-of-6 for 73 yards on third downs in the game. “It’s play-by-play, drive-by-drive, quarter-by-quarter. We’ve got to be able to chew away.”
The Knights’ ability to eat up yards and clock in the second half was perfectly demonstrated by its final possession: a 14-play drive during which the teamwas 4-of-4 on third down and held the football for the final 8:29 of the game.
“I’m proud of the offense, proud of the offensive linemen,” Gabriel said. “That last eight-minute drive in the fourth quarter. They were che wing away every block. Theywere tired, but they kept going. The receivers played very well and, of course, the running backs finding holes and continuing to get yards.”
UCF finished with a season high in carries (59) and rushing yards (267).
The Knights bounced back on the defensive side of the football, getting penetration up front that resulted in a season-high five sacks of Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. The unit also managed 11 tackles for loss, the highest output since registering 17 tackles for a loss against Houston on Nov. 2, 2019.
“It changes the game on first and second down,” UCF coach Josh Heupel said. “It changes the game for our defensive backs and how long theyhave to be able to last in coverage. It’s all three levels of your defense working together to go out and perform and get a win.”
After struggling with penalties throughthe first fourgames, UCF was flagged just four times during the win. It was the Knights’ lowest total since committing three penalties against Navy on Nov. 10, 2018.
Following the win, the mood was festive.
“The guys enjoyed it. They were excited for themselves but for the guys around them too,” Heupel said. “It’s a hard thing to do every single week and you never take it for granted.
“Hopefully, our guys have learned that lesson and will come back and prepare the right way nextweek.”