UCF won their third game of the season over the UAB Blazers by a score of 42-7
Why UCF won the game
The Knights outgained the Blazers 399-264. UCF was simply able to outplay UAB for most of the ballgame. The Knights came out of the gate fast, netting nearly 200 more yards than UAB in the first half. Both UCF quarterbacks Godfrey and Calabrese were able to pick apart the Blazer defense, while the UAB offense could not get anything going against a stout Knights defense. The defense was able to come up with some big turnovers including Josh Robinsons fumble recovery, which he returned 56 yards to the endzone.
Why UAB lost the game
The Blazers struggled to stop the Knights in the first half. The defense could not keep up with the dynamic Godfrey and the offense had a tough time moving the ball at all. By the time the blazers turned it up in the second half it was too little, too late. Despite coming up with two big fumble recoveries in the first quarter, UAB lost the turnover battle in the end.
Game Ball:
George O’Leary and the UCF coaching staff. The Knights played a complete game with seemingly everyone on the field playing well. Coach O’Leary prepared his team well for UCF’s first conference game of the season and it showed. Safety Kemal Ishmael had an especially strong game, notching seven tackles while forcing the fumble that lead to Robinsons TD. Ishmael also notched an interception at the beginning of the game that lead to UCF’s first points, and nearly had another one in the third quarter that had to go to a booth review.
What this all means:
The Knights are now 1-0 in Conference USA. UAB was able to take perennial SEC power Tennessee to double overtime last week, which should give the Knights some confidence as they were able to handle the Blazers all game. Defensive coordinator Dave Huxtable should be very happy with his defense’s ability to create turnovers and turn them into points.
Up Next:
UCF plays their second consecutive Wednesday night ESPN game next week at Marshall. The Knights will try to extend their unbeaten conference record against their rivals in West Virginia. Marshall currently stands at 1-4 on the season, 0-1 in conference play that includes a 41-16 loss to Southern Miss.
