UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton shined in Thursday night’s 61-17 season-opening win against
FIU. For his efforts, he was named American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Week
on Monday.
The sophomore completed 16 of his 21 passes and totaled a career-high in passing yards (360)
and touchdowns (four). His four touchdown passes went to three different receivers. He only
played a few minutes into the third quarter, leaving once the Knights had a 47-10 lead.
Inconsistency and inexperience hurt Milton last year, leading to an offseason of uncertainty
regarding his status as the team’s starting signal-caller. He performed well enough in preseason
camp to keep his spot over two incoming freshmen.
The Hawaii native then immediately proved himself worthy of the start on Thursday night, opening the game 8-for- 8 with two touchdowns.
Milton became the first offensive player of the week from UCF since Justin Holman was
selected in October of 2014. Three Knights won conference weekly awards last year, with two
on defense (Drico Johnson and Shaquem Griffin) and one on special teams (Adrian Killins).
UCF hosts Memphis on Saturday in their conference opener. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.
