UPDATE: View Ryan Bass’ report on today’s game here:
For the second time in school history, the UCF Knights were crowned Conference USA Champions.
Behind stellar play from freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey and a shutout on defense for three quarters, the Knights defeated Southern Methodist 17-7 to win their second Conference USA championship in school history.
“We are happy to win the game,” head coach George O’Leary said. “I think it’s a great environment at UCF. I’m happy for the university, the players, the whole football team and the fan base. I think they were outstanding this game. Great day at UCF and a great day for Orlando.”
Check out the raw video of the post game celebration, Coach O’Leary accepting the Liberty Bowl invitation, and interviews with Bruce Miller and Darius Nall:
Godfrey completed 15-of-19 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown while Latavious Murray earned game MVP honors with 102 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown in the win. The duo helped UCF earn 311 total yards on offense while converting 7-of-13 tries on third down.
Defensively, the Knights continued to bend, but didn’t break. They held SMU scoreless through three quarters while holding sophomore quarterback Kyle Padron to just 220 yards through the air, while sacking him five times and picking him off two.
With the win, the Knights matched a program-best 10 victories and will head to the Liberty Bowl in Memphis to take on a team from the SEC on Dec. 31. The game will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN.
