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Sometimes a win can look great on paper but awful on tape. That was the case with UCF's home opener against FCS South Carolina State. UCF won 38-0, but was, well, meh.
Here's your instant reaction:
Highlights
KZ OK?
McKenzie Milton didn't look great. He finished 21/39 for 243 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. He could have tossed two more. It looked like he was just greedy at times, and had some bad breaks, but mostly he was just...blech.
KZ owns up to what he calls his subpar performance. Says he missed some easy throws and didn't get into a rhythm. pic.twitter.com/i7GjZZfXzW
— The Knightline Sports Network (@UCF_Knightline) September 9, 2018
Let's not panic yet, but KZ has now tossed six interceptions in his last two home games (The AAC Championship vs. Memphis and tonight). Not great.
It wasn't THAT bad
Consider that UCF:
- Gave up zero points
- Outgained them 566-257
- Rushed for 316 yards
- Averaged 6.3 yards per play
- Had a 20-play, 94-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown
- Had four other TD drives, all of which lasted less than 45 seconds
- Forced three turnovers and blocked a field goal
Also:
This is an underrated aspect of tonight’s game. Ain’t no way @coachjoshheupel is burning his playbook on an FCS team. Plenty of vanilla stuff, which means it’s also a bit easier for the defense to recognize. #UCF https://t.co/bjbRsHu5Xf
— Jeff Sharon (@Jeff_Sharon) September 9, 2018
And we're complaining about UCF's 15th straight win. My how things have changed.
The fans showed out
If UCF didn't quite bring it on the field, the fans certainly did:
⚔️
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) September 9, 2018
Second-biggest home-opening crowd since we opened the Bounce House #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/Wz1az2AdzN
The biggest home opener? The first game in the stadium against Texas in 2007.
Fun Fact
UCF has played South Carolina State three times since 2008, and has never given up a point.
- 2008: 17-0
- 2016: 38-0
- 2018: 38-0
Final Thoughts
Back to offer a few final thoughts: So, that's done. Everyone's going to panic. Don't. UCF is more the team we saw vs. UConn than today. #UCF
— Jeff Sharon (@Jeff_Sharon) September 9, 2018
More final thoughts: A win is a win. Yes, there are things to work on. There always are. But UCF took care of business, gave up no points, and mostly stayed healthy. That's not bad. #UCF
— Jeff Sharon (@Jeff_Sharon) September 9, 2018
Next Up
Final from Greenville | pic.twitter.com/FruPoDsuDN
— Carolina Football (@TarHeelFootball) September 8, 2018