UCF defeats Memphis; Frost to Nebraska
The highest-scoring game in any conference final wasn’t even over before reports surfaced that Scott Frost was leaving the University of Central Florida and had accepted the job to become Nebraska’s coach.
UCF’s undefeated football team gave its departing coach a game to remember as the 11th-ranked Knights beat Memphis 62-55 in double overtime to win the American Athletic Conference championship.
UCF (12-0) is one of only two teams to finish the regular season undefeated. But when you play in the AAC, you don’t make it to the final four of the college football championship. You get to go to Atlanta to play in the Peach Bowl as the highestranked team not in a powerfive conference.
While everyone viewed it as a foregone conclusion that the former Nebraska quarterback would be headed home, Frost wouldn’t officially confirm the move immediately after the game. Instead, he was looking for an opportunity to speak to his team privately.
“I haven’t told them yet, but I will,” Frost said, his eyes growing more red with each word. “They should give you time off after the season to make a decision, but they don’t.
“I love Orlando, and no matter what I do, I’m going to retire here. Not selling any houses. UCF, Orlando is an unbelievable place with unlimited potential.”
Nebraska athletic director Bill Moos announced the much-anticipated hire a bit later than expected, about two hours after the game. Frost agreed to a seven-year, $35-million contract.
Saturday’s match had an unlimited display of great offense and pedestrian defense. The two quarterbacks combined for 965 yards on 58-for-84 passing. The game should have been UCF’s in regulation, but the Knights’ McKenzie Milton threw three interceptions.
Both teams scored in the first overtime, and UCF, going first in the second overtime, took advantage of a roughing-the-quarterback penalty to put them at the 10. Milton rushed for nine yards, and Otis Anderson got the important extra one.
Memphis looked out of it on its possession facing a fourth and seven, but Riley Ferguson completed a 17yard pass to Anthony Miller, putting the ball at the five. After Patrick Taylor lost four on the next play, UCF’s Tre Neal intercepted a pass near the goal line, took a few steps and dived to the ground, ending the game.
Milton threw five touchdowns passes, two to Dredrick Snelson and Tre’Quan Smith and one to Jordan Akins. Ferguson threw four for touchdowns, three to Miller and one to Tony Pollard.
Frost will not coach UCF in its final game, and it is possible that Memphis coach Mike Norvell may not coach the Tigers in their likely Liberty Bowl bid. He’s on the short list for the Arkansas job.
Memphis, which beat UCLA 48-45 in an early-season game, is 10-2, with both losses coming against UCF. — John Cherwa
at Florida Atlantic 41,
North Texas 17: Lane Kiffin’s first season at Florida Atlantic brought the school’s first Conference USA championship, as the Owls defeated the Mean Green for the league title.
Devin Singletary had 26 carries for 164 yards and three touchdowns for the Owls, who extended their unbeaten streak to nine games and were undefeated against C-USA opponents this season. Jason Driskel completed 15 of 27 passes for 269 yards and a touchdown for FAU, and Kalib Woods had a school-record 208 receiving yards.
FAU (10-3) had 633 yards of offense, and Kiffin’s last play call of the day was one where he ordered his brother — defensive coordinator Chris Kiffin — to get a water bucket dumped on him. FAU’s players then got the head coach with one, and the celebration was underway.
“It’s not about me,” Kiffin said on the field afterward. “I’m so happy for these players, for these fans. It’s just a special year.”
Toledo 45, Akron 28: Logan Woodside threw four touchdown passes and Terry Swanson rushed for 180 yards and two scores as the Rockets defeated the Zips in the Mid-American Conference championship game at Ford Field in Detroit.
Receivers Diontae Johnson (118 yards) and Jon’Vea Johnson (103) combined for 221 yards and three touchdowns for Toledo (11-2), which won its third conference championship game and first since 2004.
Akron (7-6) forced five turnovers but couldn’t overcome a lopsided first half in their second loss to Toledo this season.
Troy 32, at Arkansas State 28: Brandon Silvers threw two touchdown passes, including the game-winner with 17 seconds left, and the Trojns beat the Red Wolves in a wild finish for a share of the Sun Belt Conference title.
Without a timeout remaining, Silvers drove Troy 72 yards in nine plays. On fourth and five, Silvers capped the drive with a 14yard pass to Deondre Douglas in the corner of the end zone. Justice Hansen moved Arkansas State to the Troy 38, but his Hail Mary pass attempt was batted away in the end zone.
Troy (10-2, 7-1) has won six straight, and will share the conference title with Appalachian State. Arkansas State (7-4, 6-2) has lost two of its last four games.