No. 18 UCF Football stayed undefeated Saturday night, barely escaping an SMU Mustang homecoming matchup in a 31-24 win.
The Knights (8-0, 5-0 AAC), struggled defensively and in their passing game, but found success in the ground-and-pound game on the backs of sophomore running back Adrian Killins, who ruhed for 147 yards on 14 carries.
The sophomore also found the endzone two times, helping the Knights take down the Mustangs (6-3, 3-2) that put up over 500 yards.
Sophomore quarterback McKenzie Milton played the entire game, completing 23 of 40 passes for 412 yards. Milton found the endzone in the air once, throwing two interceptions, including a pick-six. Redshirt sophomore Tre’Quan Smith caught seven passes for 141 yards, with freshman Gabe Davis catching three passes for 97 yards and one touchdown.
The Knights put up 615 total yards on 76 plays, holding possession for close to 26 minutes. The Mustangs, who had a total of 489 yards, found 283 yards in the passing game off 27 completions.
Despite putting up over 600 yards of offensive production, the Knights struggled defensively as well. The Knights committed five penalties for 32 yards, allowing the Mustangs to convert 10 third-downs off 23 attempts.
UCF will return home next weekend to host UConn for another AAC matchup. The game will be broadcasted on ESPNU and is slated for a noon kickoff.
