UCF rises to 6-0 with win at Navy
UCF tops Navy, is 6-0 for first time
Despite some tense moments, the Knights and their fans have plenty to celebrate after a 31-21 win in Annapolis, Md.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Adrian Killins has been called a playmaker and a game-changer during his short time at UCF. But teammate Wyatt Miller threw out the biggest compliment of them all following the Knights’ 31-21 win at Navy Saturday night: G.O.A.T.
Killins’ 79-yard touchdown run in the middle of the third quarter with the game tied 14 apiece helped spark UCF’s (6-0, 4-0 American Athletic Conference) road win over the Midshipmen and the Knights’ first 6-0 start in school history.
His teammates were quick to crown Killins the “Greatest Of All Time.”
“It was a great feeling,” said Killins, Daytona Beach Mainland High alum. “… I know once I get across the edge, I know no one’s going to catch me, so I just finished off the run.”
It was his fifth touchdown run of the season and the second one spanning at least 70 yards. Killins finished with a career-high 122 rushing yards, his second 100-yard rushing game of the season, and two touchdowns.
“That’s huge. AK’s been doing
that for us for a year and a half,” Frost said. “He’s an eraser. He erased a tight game and made it a sevenpoint lead again.”
The moniker of G.O.A.T. took on a new meaning midway through the third quarter when Killins was pushed out of bounds on a two-yard run and slid into the Bill the Goat, the Navy mascot. Both goat and GOAT were unharmed during the play.
While Killins’ runs opened the up the game, he had help from a stout offensive line and determined defense. Much of the focus this week was on how UCF would handle Navy’s tripleoption offense.
Early on, at least, the Knights’ athleticism and speed limited the Midshipmen (5-2, 3-2) and forced them to punt to end their first three possessions. On the fourth possession, however, Navy took to the air to shake things up a bit.
Quarterback Zach Abey connected with senior receiver Tyler Carmona for a 40-yard pass that set up a six-yard touchdown run by Abey to tie the game at 7 apiece.
Mike Hughes gave UCF a huge boost when he returned the kickoff 58 yards to the Navy 35-yard-line. Killins finished the drive with first touchdown of the game: a 15-yarder that gave the Knights a slim 14-7 margin going into the half.
Abey responded by connecting with Malcom Perry for a 75-yard touchdown pass that knotted things up at 14 apiece.
It was Killins’ run on the first play of UCF’s next possession that cracked the game open for the Knights.
“We knew we were in for a battle and we were so impressed with them,” Frost said of facing Navy.
It was a back-and-forth bruising contest, with Navy managing to contain UCF’s high-scoring offense. Both starting quarterbacks were knocked out of the game, although UCF starter McKenzie Milton was able to return after sitting out one series due to apparent back and hamstring issues.
The 31 points scored were a season-low for the Knights, who entered the game as the nation’s top scoring offense (50.6 points per game).
The 10-point win was UCF’s closest margin of victory this season and provided fans some tense moments toward the end of the game.
“You get into a close game, you really need some heart. You really need to play together and you need guys who make plays when the games on the line. And I thought we had some guys step up at some very important times,” Frost said.
The defense got key plays from junior linebacker Pat Jasinski and cornerback Brandon Moore to keep Navy in check.
“It was awesome to get that adrenaline rush,” said Jasinski, who led the way for the defense with a careerhigh 14 tackles.
But it was the stellar play of Moore, a Sanford Seminole alum, that helped squash any chance of a Navy rally. Moore tipped an Abey pass in the second quarter that was intercepted by Kyle Gibson and Moore’s punishing hit on running back Darryl Bonner forced a fumble recovered by Moore.
“We worked that play all week so coaches just told me to be ready for my name to be called,” said Moore, who added an interception in the closing minute.