ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF (4-4, 2-2) returns home to kick off a three-game homestand Saturday, hosting the Tulane Green Wave (3-5, 0-4)  in what was originally scheduled as a bye week for both teams – but Hurricane Matthew had other plans for the entirety of Central Florida.

Both programs are coming off heartbreaking losses last week, falling to conference opponents in tight games. Let’s look at some of the things to keep an eye out for in this American Athletic Conference contest.

Fast starts at home:

The Knights have put up 50-of-87 total points scored at home this year in the first half, dominating the games for the most part early on. When they last played at Brighthouse Networks Stadium against Temple, UCF scored the entirety of their 25 points in before halftime.

McKenzie in the fourth:

True freshman quarterback McKenzie Milton has cemented himself as the unquestioned number one signal-caller on the roster but still has light years of development ahead of him as he transitions into AAC football. He has struggled mightily in the fourth quarter this season, completing only 7-of-19 passes for 87 yards and zero touchdowns in the final fifteen minutes.

Iron sharpens iron:

UCF ranks third in the conference in rushing defense, and will be stacked up against a formidable opponent in Tulane’s third-ranked ground attack – averaging 248 yards per game. The Green Wave is stocked with three rushers averaging over six yards per carry, though lead back Dontrell Hilliard sets the tone with his 640 rushing yards. Consider this as well: UCF’s top three ball-carriers have amassed 882 yards, while Tulane’s top three account for 1459.

Situational playmakers:

We have seen it time and time again this year; in a Scott Frost offense, the matchups determine the hero of the week. Whether it is a big momentum play to Adrian Killins or a clutch catch from converted tight end Jordan Akins, it seems that every week there is a new name leading the box score. Watch for early matchups to stand out, and then continued to be keyed upon in the evenly dispersed UCF offense.

 

 

Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla