McKenzie Milton Does Not Play vs. ECU; Darriel Mack Starts

UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton did not start tonight’s game versus East Carolina. He is reportedly dealing with injuries to his shoulder, ankle and throwing hand. Rivals’ Brandon Helwig wrote on Friday night that Milton didn’t practice during the week leading up to last Saturday’s game at Memphis. So, Milton will take a seat for a game in which UCF is a three-touchdown favorite.

Redshirt freshman Darriel Mack Jr. got the start instead, the first of his career. He is just 4-of-9 passing on the season for 24 yards. However, he has gained 110 yards and a touchdown on just eight rushing carries, including a 70-yard touchdown run in the season-opening win at Connecticut.

At halftime, head coach Josh Heupel said it was a “gametime decision,” and provided no further substantive details.

Mack was just 12/20 for 99 yards through the air, but he ran for 120 yards on 22 carries and a TD, and did not commit a turnover. he also had an 87-yard touchdown run late in the 4th called back on a holding penalty.

The Knights beat ECU 37-10. They won’t play again until Thursday Nov. 1 at home vs. Temple.

This story has been updated.

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