UCF won their eighth game of the season over the Tulane Green Wave by a score of 61-14
Why UCF won the game
The Knights scored 10 seconds into the game and never looked back. The Knights defense was menacing forcing turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and picking off two Tulane passes, one of which was returned 100 yards for a TD by freshman Jordan Ozerities. The Knights were able to hold Tulane scoreless except for an 11-minute stretch at the end of the second quarter. The Knights controlled the ground game, totaling 282 yards and 4 touchdowns. Latavius Murray keyed the run attack with 146 yards on only 11 carries, chipping in one TD. The strong rushing effort opened up the pass game, as despite only 15 pass attempts UCF was still able to amass 177 yards for an average of 11.8 yards per pass, compared to Tulane’s 4.7 yards per pass. Special teams, which started the dominating effort for the Knights, finished with 249 total return yards. The Knights were able to pull their starters mid-way through the third quarter.
Why Tulane lost the game:
Tulane was completely outplayed in this ballgame. The Knights held a significant advantage over the Green Wave in starting field position. UCF’s average start was on their 46 yard line, while Tulane averaged starting on their 19. UCF was able to win the turnover battle by forcing four Tulane turnovers while not turning the ball over themselves. Tulane also allowed the Knights to gash them on the ground, running for 136 yards less than UCF.
Game Ball:
Quincy McDuffie. McDuffie, second in the country in average kick return yardage coming into the game with 31.3, showed why he is such a feared return specialist right on the opening kickoff. McDuffie raced 95 yards into the endzone to give the Knights their quickest lead of the season. McDuffie followed that up by showing off his receiver skills, catching UCF’s second touchdown on a 28 yard screen pass. McDuffie finished with 114 yards on returns averaging 57.
What this all means:
The Knights recovered well from their lone conference loss to Southern Miss last Saturday. UCF got back to what it has done so well so far this season, beating up on inferior teams. The Knights continue to control their own destiny and stay in prime position to host the Conference USA championship game. A win next week or a Southern Miss loss either tonight or next week will clinch a spot in the championship game for the Knights.
Up Next:
UCF will travel to Memphis for their final game of the regular season. Memphis is sitting at the bottom of Conference USA’s East Division with a record of 1-9, including a 0-6 mark within the conference. The Tigers play their home games in the Liberty Bowl, and if UCF continues their dominance and wins the conference, the Knights will most likely return to the Liberty Bowl to play their post-season bowl game.
