72.
Thats how many yards UCF gave up in penalties in the first half alone, and the Knights trail by seven at the end of the first half of the Auto Nation Cure Bowl.
Things started off shaky for UCF almost immediately as penalties hindered their very first drive of the game, leading to a three-and-out.
A blocked punt recovered in the end zone by Arkansas State on UCF’s second drive led to the Red Wolves first score of the game.
UCF continued to struggle throughout the first quarter, leading to several three-and-out drives.
UCF’s defense held Arkansas State for several drives, until a 67-yard pass play by Red Wolves’ quarterback Justice Hansen set up a field goal to extend their lead to 10.
On the very next play, UCF fumbled the ball on kickoff, leading to another Arkansas State touchdown to make the score 17-0.
But in the second quarter, UCF seemed to find their footing. The Knights were able to score twice on a touchdown pass by McKenzie Milton to Taylor Oldham and a 45-yard field goal to bring the score to 17-10 at the half.
In the second half, it was more of the same. The Knights failed to put together much of anything and were only able to tack on a field goal in the entire second half.
Arkansas State however kept rolling, scoring just 51 seconds into the second half, they would reach the end zone one more time before the game’s end to make the final score 31-13.
Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla
