Knights’ O-line preps for Temple defense

For the most part, UCF’s offense has been humming along — churning out yards, points and, more important, wins.

The Knights remain one of the top teams in the country, averaging more than 44 points and 537 yards per game while maintaining their nationleading 20-game win streak.

Even when an injury sidelined quarterback McKenzie Milton against East Carolina, the team responded by scoring at least 30 points for the 20th consecutive game as backup Darriel Mack Jr. led the team to an impressive 37-10 win over the Pirates.

“I think this offense is a well-oiled machine that can have interchangeable parts,” UCF senior left tackle Wyatt Miller said.

One of those parts, Milton, remains uncertain for Thursday’s showdown with Temple at Spectrum Stadium. UCF coach Josh Heupel called his quarterback’s status Monday a “game-time decision.”

Miller believes no matter whether it’s Milton or Mack who makes the start at quarterback this week, the offensive line wants to play a bigger part against the Owls.

“It’s on our shoulders — it’s how we approach every week that we want this game to fall on us,” Miller said. “I don’t think you’re a competitor if you don’t want that pressure.”

Miller and the offensive line have been outstanding this season, allowing just nine sacks through the first seven games, which ranks 15th in the country. The Knights allowed just 13 sacks last season, but the line had to deal with the graduation of starters Aaron Evans and Chavis Dickey.

Temple comes into this week’s matchup ranked second in the American Athletic Conference in sacks with 24. The Owls are led up front by senior defensive end Michael Dogbe, who has 44 tackles, eight tackles for loss and six sacks.