Black & Gold Banneret - WAR ON I-4 STORYSTREAM: #9 UCF Knights vs. South Florida BullsA UCF Knights Community2018-11-30T23:09:42-05:00http://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/rss/stream/178728342018-11-30T23:09:42-05:002018-11-30T23:09:42-05:00Photo Gallery: UCF's Emotional Win at USF
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<img alt="McKenzie Milton UCF USF" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UrIqeia6tmk2bFTfo7wAUhXw-vM=/0x258:3646x2689/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62605534/FB_vs_bools_2.1543637385.jpg" />
<figcaption>Derek Warden</figcaption>
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<p>On Championship Saturday Eve, relive the moments from UCF's 38-10 win over S. Florida</p> <p id="tiO76n">Check out more than 90 photos from the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a>’ victory over the <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/">South Florida Bulls</a> in last Friday’s War on I-4:</p>
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<p id="jFuxvt"><strong>Editor’s Note:</strong> There are no photos of the injury or aftermath. If that’s what you came here for, look elsewhere.</p>
https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/photo-gallery/2018/11/30/18120677/gallery-ucfs-emotional-win-at-usfDerek Warden_UCF2018-11-27T23:46:43-05:002018-11-27T23:46:43-05:00McKenzie Milton’s Family Provides Update in Statement
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Florida at South Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1ehrs9Zg6ovKEw0oAAAIOumeOzE=/36x0:4583x3031/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62388318/usa_today_11718887.1543011682.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Blood flow has been restored, but there is some nerve damage.</p> <h4 id="tovq8d">2:00 p.m. Tuesday update:</h4>
<p id="gG0YHH">The Milton family has released a statement:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The latest update on KZ from the Milton family <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/10hana?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#10hana</a> <a href="https://t.co/ipG9Od9TKy">pic.twitter.com/ipG9Od9TKy</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1067508083340034048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="xg4804">11:00 a.m. Monday update:</h4>
<p id="XKuZic">Joe Kepner of WFTV-TV in Orlando reports Milton is listed in “Good condition” at Tampa General. No word on whether or when he will be able to come back to Orlando.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UPDATE: Checked with the hospital this morning. <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCF_Football</a> QB Mckenzie Milton's condition is still listed as "Good". <br><br>For clarification here are the American Hospital Association definitions for conditions. Essentially, "Good" is the best you can be and still be a patient. <a href="https://t.co/ovLeI1NfWa">pic.twitter.com/ovLeI1NfWa</a></p>— Joe Kepner (@JKepnerWFTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JKepnerWFTV/status/1067088206187905024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="ndsXor">9:30 p.m. Saturday update: </h4>
<p id="Xyavgc">Milton wrote on Instagram tonight: “More than a game...God is great in all circumstances 100 love my brothers.”</p>
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</div></a> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqlhtz1hGJC/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">More than a game...God is great in all circumstances love my brothers.</a></p> <p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mckenziemil10/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> McKenzie Milton</a> (@mckenziemil10) on <time style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;" datetime="2018-11-25T02:21:19+00:00">Nov 24, 2018 at 6:21pm PST</time></p>
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<h4 id="71sz9F">9 p.m. Saturday update:</h4>
<p id="K3uETt">Milton’s mother, Teresa, has reached out to UCF fans via Twitter:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well Knight Nation we are still processing all this . But one thing I know is this ! One truth Our Lord and Savior is in Charge and he has a plan for KZ and all the Knight Nation! Thank you for the prayers great thoughts and well wishes !<br>We will keep you posted ! Charge On</p>— TeresaMilton (@milton6teresa) <a href="https://twitter.com/milton6teresa/status/1066509318755885057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="HiijBG"><strong>4 p.m. Saturday update: </strong></h4>
<p id="cG8sd8">McKenzie Milton’s family has released a statement saying that his surgery was successful and that he is recovering well.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Statement from McKenzie Milton's family: <a href="https://t.co/mzr3LhARWb">pic.twitter.com/mzr3LhARWb</a></p>— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisVannini/status/1066420006601281538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<p id="9KWx1A">The specifics of Milton’s surgery are currently unknown. However, his father did tell ESPN on Saturday that Milton had his right knee and other “internal issues” repaired.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">McKenzie Milton’s dad tells ESPN that UCF qb had surgery to repair right knee, other “internal issues.”</p>— Pat Clarke (@PatClarke39) <a href="https://twitter.com/PatClarke39/status/1066396799693410304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<h4 id="hARoWZ"><strong>Friday updates:</strong></h4>
<p id="kd674L"><a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a> QB <span>McKenzie Milton</span> was carted off the field at Raymond James Stadium with an apparently serious injury to his right leg in the second quarter of the Knights’ game with the <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/">South Florida Bulls</a>.</p>
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<p lang="de" dir="ltr">McKenzie Milton's leg is ... oh no. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a></p>— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spokes_Murphy/status/1066091924006858752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We got you, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChargeOn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChargeOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/QRyfZWRFGZ">pic.twitter.com/QRyfZWRFGZ</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066097002096799744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/FSQdYw22bj">pic.twitter.com/FSQdYw22bj</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066093187024982016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="LATLdO">The play happened on a 3rd down with 11:17 left in the second quarter.</p>
<p id="ga6Rhb">ESPN is reporting he is being taken to the hospital.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Great respect for a great player. Our sincerest wishes for all the best for McKenzie Milton. </p>— USF Football (@USFFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/USFFootball/status/1066093085602603013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It’s all in God’s hands bro! The whole world behind you <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KZ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KZ</a> <a href="https://t.co/HF1lynmjAV">pic.twitter.com/HF1lynmjAV</a></p>— Mike Hughes (@_Bigmikee1) <a href="https://twitter.com/_Bigmikee1/status/1066098772722241537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">With his right leg in a cast after suffering a gruesome leg injury, No. 9 UCF's star QB McKenzie Milton gives a thumbs as he's carted off the field in Florida <a href="https://t.co/dCj6DuKKjr">pic.twitter.com/dCj6DuKKjr</a></p>— ESPN (@espn) <a href="https://twitter.com/espn/status/1066101251316813824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The hell with the Playoff.<br><br>Let’s just get through this afternoon.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a></p>— Jeff Sharon (@Jeff_Sharon) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeff_Sharon/status/1066095351784976385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="zde2QT">Milton’s mother, Teresa, was pictured on UCF’s Twitter account after halftime:</p>
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<p lang="tr" dir="ltr">Ohana <a href="https://t.co/UmyOEp6YvU">pic.twitter.com/UmyOEp6YvU</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066110419855728643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="IGSoRv">His fellow native of Hawai’i, Alabama Crimson Tide QB Tua Tagovailoa:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Prayers out to my brother shake back 10 ♂️ <a href="https://t.co/aFHFRqvf06">https://t.co/aFHFRqvf06</a></p>— Tua. T (@Tuaamann) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tuaamann/status/1066111641576714241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="6GYZVH"><span>Darriel Mack Jr.</span> entered into the game at quarterback for UCF, and helped the Knights to a 38-10 victory.</p>
<p id="L39mEd">Following the game, Ryan Bass of WTSP-TV in Tampa reported Milton was in surgery:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">McKenzie Milton is currently in surgery, per a source. That’s all I’m willing to report at this time.</p>— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ry_Bass/status/1066159393174142976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<p id="llJz1l">Former NFL team doctor David Chao did not have encouraging analysis.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Just read. Don't watch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a> <a href="https://t.co/5Nc390jTl9">https://t.co/5Nc390jTl9</a></p>— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spokes_Murphy/status/1066182306216534017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/23/18109286/ucf-knights-qb-mckenzie-milton-leaves-usf-game-with-apparently-serious-leg-injuryJeffSharonBrian Murphy_UCF2018-11-27T15:47:26-05:002018-11-27T15:47:26-05:00UCF’s Win at USF Is the Second Most-Watched War on I-4 Ever
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Florida at South Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MYlJFWVCQl71WGs6htQbec2rTxA=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62414081/usa_today_11719674.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Knights’ victory over the Bulls pulled in the highest rating in series history on ESPN.</p> <p id="qOmh4N">ESPN’s late afternoon Black Friday telecast of the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a>’ win over the <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/">South Florida Bulls</a> delivered a 1.2 overnight TV rating, according to ESPN. That rating equaled to 1.718 million viewers, according to <a href="http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-11-23-2018.html">ShowBuzzDaily.com</a></p>
<p id="ZxiouM">While that is down from last year’s classic, it is a 140% ratings increase year-over-year in that same time slot (4:15 p.m. ET) from last year’s Navy at Houston telecast. UCF’s 38-10 win is the second most-watched and second highest-rated War on I-4 game telecast, edging out the 2013 UCF-USF game, which had a 0.8 TV rating and 1.2 million viewers on ESPN primetime Friday night.</p>
<p id="nvggmI">Last year’s game delivered 4.7 million viewers and a 2.7 rating on ABC in the 3:30 p.m. ET slot.</p>
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<p id="qYhxmj">NOTE: The 2016 game aired on CBS Sports Network, which does not make TV numbers public.</p>
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https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/2018/11/27/18113958/ucf-knights-win-at-usf-is-the-second-most-watched-war-on-i-4-ever-espn-ratingsEric Lopez2018-11-24T00:13:44-05:002018-11-24T00:13:44-05:00INSTANT REAX: #9 UCF Overcomes KZ’s Injury to Smother South Florida, 38-10
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Central Florida at South Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/YJUcP_qaKUhF3JTwxUEMVx4E4W0=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62389418/usa_today_11719680.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Greg McCrae leads Knights to their 24th consecutive win and the War on I-4 Trophy in Tampa</p> <p id="zC0MqB">Let’s get this out of the way first: The story of this game is not going to be the fact that UCF won. The story is going to be <span>McKenzie Milton</span>’s leg injury, whether he’ll be OK, how bad it is, and how long he’ll be out for.</p>
<p id="yjXvKl">There will be plenty of time and space to more fully examine that and its ramifications.</p>
<p id="wDCuIk">For now, though, we’ll celebrate what we can celebrate: a resounding victory for the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a> in Tampa against the <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/">South Florida Bulls</a>.</p>
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<h1 id="wrGy7P">The Highlights</h1>
<div id="6DWRlP"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KdV-Bocw0OQ?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<h1 id="pgAZQl">Let’s Go McCrae-zy</h1>
<p id="bYHynZ"><span>Greg McCrae</span>, man. Unbelievable.</p>
<p id="19mTfK">The former walk-on-turned-scholarship-player-turned-featured-back picked up 181 yards on just 16 carries, and scored on runs of 40, 39 and 31 yards.</p>
<p id="jblIEo">On the season, McCrae has a team-best 895 yards on 99 carries - an average of 9.0 yards per rush - and 8 TDs. He’s also gone for 99+ yards in four of his last five games.</p>
<p id="SIgEHp">McCrae’s growing reputation as a closer is self-evident. Clearly he’s the ace in the Knights’ now, even though Adrian Killins Jr has the team lead in carries. </p>
<h1 id="dUFrrZ">Defense Does The Job</h1>
<p id="LPSU3h">Credit again to <span>Randy Shannon</span> and his defense. The Knights held South Florida to 10 points, their lowest point total since UCF shut the Bulls out in Tampa back in 2014.</p>
<p id="zpQZSx">The Bulls were also 5/18 on 3rd downs and 0/2 on 4th downs, including a game-changing goal-line stand in the first half that set the tone for the rest of the game.</p>
<p id="dUgWNj">In all, South Florida either punted or turned the ball over on 12 of 15 possessions. </p>
<p id="NpDrYR">After South Florida scored their only touchdown to get within 17-10 in the third, the defense allowed the following: </p>
<ul>
<li id="V6eaV6">Four possessions</li>
<li id="aQhh4W">12 plays</li>
<li id="C380k6">-4 total yards</li>
</ul>
<p id="XOdyoU">That’s championship defense.</p>
<h1 id="McnqC6">Toughness Wins</h1>
<p id="smbZLR">Say what you will about the coaching staff, but this team is mentally tough.</p>
<p id="nHi1MK">To overcome the emotional devastation of seeing McKenzie Milton go down as he did, and then to rise to the occasion and make their opponent and arch rival just quit right there on the field, is a testament to Josh Heupel and his “Go 1-0” philosophy.</p>
<p id="LnBcYz">That was a performance. <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/23/18109559/ucf-knights-season-takes-on-a-new-motto-after-losing-mckenzie-milton-injury">Brian Murphy has more on that</a>.</p>
<h1 id="YxZd1n">Get Your Mack On</h1>
<p id="YdKUfX">It’s not easy for a backup QB to come in following an injury to a starter, particularly an injury as devastating as <span>McKenzie Milton</span>’s was. By all accounts, Darriel Mack Jr and Milton are pretty tight:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We got you, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChargeOn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChargeOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/QRyfZWRFGZ">pic.twitter.com/QRyfZWRFGZ</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066097002096799744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="ok0mV4">Mack finished the evening just 5/14 for 81 yards (to be fair, he was victimized by a few drops), but also picked up 51 yards on 10 carries, and ran the offense efficiently, chalking up 31 points and suffering only three 3-and-outs in his 11 possessions.</p>
<p id="Q8xxTA">Mack performed admirably against ECU, and as our own Brian Murphy tweeted, UCF playing him in that game seems prescient now.</p>
<h1 id="L22XqO">Numbers That Never Lie</h1>
<ul>
<li id="4rZCrM">UCF has won 24 games in a row. Let that sink in.</li>
<li id="jTunom">Josh Heupel is 11-0 in his first season as a head coach.</li>
<li id="rlnEQE">UCF’s defense has recorded a turnover in 30 consecutive games.</li>
<li id="cWFYMM">The Knights have also scored 30 points in 24 straight games, tying a record <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNCFB/status/921913756912898048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E921913756912898048&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fcollegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com%2F2017%2F10%2F22%2Fsouth-florida-breaks-ap-poll-era-record-of-consecutive-games-with-30-plus-points%2F">set by South Florida last year</a> (in the AP Poll Era). Their streak was snapped by Houston in a home loss.</li>
<li id="wLjK0y">Next week, UCF plays Memphis for the conference championship, and for the 4th time in 15 months.</li>
</ul>
<h1 id="B508nj">Next Up</h1>
<div id="2YiJK0">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last year's game needed double overtime and had 117 total points...what will <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UCF_Football</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/MemphisFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MemphisFB</a> do this time? <br><br>The 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/American_FB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@American_FB</a> Championship is December 1 at 3:30pm ET at Spectrum Stadium - get your tickets now: <a href="https://t.co/X9xwUMWdvG">https://t.co/X9xwUMWdvG</a> <a href="https://t.co/4ff8IQtzj4">pic.twitter.com/4ff8IQtzj4</a></p>— The American (@American_Conf) <a href="https://twitter.com/American_Conf/status/1066077746395267072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<h1 id="3h4CfN">Final Thought</h1>
<p id="vmear6">I’m just struck by the juxtaposition of last week’s jubilation and this week’s devastation. I don’t know what the future holds for McKenzie Milton or UCF in the coming days, weeks or months, and I care not to speculate.</p>
<p id="Ba9K4p">All I know is life comes at you faster than any oncoming linebacker. And that these young men who play this game do so at incredible risk. There, but for the grace of God, go I.</p>
<p id="MJ6Sve">Hopefully we can all reflect on that in the coming days as we await news on McKenzie Milton and hope for his full and complete recovery.</p>
<div id="eqn7yC">
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Knight Nation is behind you, . <a href="https://t.co/XbY5aSv6Xp">pic.twitter.com/XbY5aSv6Xp</a></p>— UCF (@UCF) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF/status/1066183817638092802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/24/18109569/ucf-knights-overcomes-mckenzie-milton-injury-to-smother-south-florida-38-10JeffSharon2018-11-23T23:13:17-05:002018-11-23T23:13:17-05:00Play for 10: Knights’ Season Takes on a New Motto After Losing McKenzie Milton
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<img alt="Central Florida v South Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KroMGllS9w1lcJD0XeJ6RdYPhNA=/0x0:7562x5041/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62389254/1071592232.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>The Knights celebrate with the War on I-4 trophy following Friday’s 38-10 victory over South Florida. | Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>UCF poised to rally around their injured leader as well as new starting QB Darriel Mack Jr.</p> <p id="nC0vRr">We have chronicled throughout the year, sometimes mockingly, the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a>’ rote dedication to a simple edict: Go 1-0.</p>
<p id="sC47WX">Every day, every week, it’s all about going 1-0. </p>
<p id="9S6xKj">That motto sustains following Friday’s 38-10 victory over South Florida. But now those numbers are being used to serve in a different, more sobering yet meaningful rallying cry: </p>
<p id="CkBjo2">Play for 10.</p>
<div id="MZo8J7">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Heupel on McKenzie Milton. The coach said he told Milton that he loved him before he was carted off. Said that Milton responded with the same words. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZhAoFnjdx2">pic.twitter.com/ZhAoFnjdx2</a></p>— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spokes_Murphy/status/1066145137166860288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<p id="om5CZG">Everything changed when <span>McKenzie Milton</span> was fell by a serious right leg injury early in the second quarter. Football didn’t matter. More than 57,000 didn’t say a word. Or maybe they couldn’t, silenced by shock and sadness. The Knights gathered around their wounded leader while the Bulls knelt on the sideline near where he was being loaded onto a cart. </p>
<p id="ltRgLg">Before he was driven off the field, Milton had a few words for his replacement, redshirt freshman <span>Darriel Mack Jr.</span></p>
<p id="oWfNfY">“We shared that moment with each other on the field when he was on the cart,” Mack said. “He just told me, ‘Go get it.’”</p>
<div id="16Ej5a">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We got you, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChargeOn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChargeOn</a> <a href="https://t.co/QRyfZWRFGZ">pic.twitter.com/QRyfZWRFGZ</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066097002096799744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2018</a>
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<p id="jX004l">UCF pushed on, taking a 17-3 halftime lead into the locker room. There, players such as center <span>Jordan Johnson</span> said there was a common refrain throughout the team.</p>
<p id="o9urz7">“You heard a lot of people in the locker room saying, ‘Play for 10. Do it for KZ,’” Johnson said. ”We’re out there playing for number 10.”</p>
<p id="4GqaEX">From safety <span>Richie Grant</span>: “A lot of teams say they have a brotherhood, but this one’s for real. Our group is relentless, so we rally behind each other. We play for each other. Play for 10.”</p>
<p id="YklgvZ">Added running back <span>Greg McCrae</span>: “We came together. The coaches didn’t have to say anything. ... We just all came together and said we’re going to play for 10. Get this win for him.”</p>
<p id="hc5Efa">UCF certainly performed like an inspired band of brothers in the second half. They outgained the Bulls 281-106, including a 210-60 advantage in rushing yards. McCrae effectively put the game away with two ground scores from at least 30 yards out, one in each of the final two quarters. </p>
<p id="WkSqa4">“It was heartbreaking because McKenzie Milton is a great person,” McCrae said. “It wasn’t about McKenzie Milton, the the football player that [the media] see all the time. It was him as a person. Seeing that happen to him, it was devastating to the whole team, so we all rallied around that and tried to use that as our motivation and energy, to play for him. Play for 10.”</p>
<div id="MkIq5W">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That dub’s for you, 1️⃣0️⃣<br><br>1-0 x11<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChargeOn?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChargeOn</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WarOnI4?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WarOnI4</a> <a href="https://t.co/FmhYHR79R9">pic.twitter.com/FmhYHR79R9</a></p>— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) <a href="https://twitter.com/UCF_Football/status/1066128194556837888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<p id="nRWsUR">No player wanted to make Milton proud more than his backup. Mack said after the game that he and Milton often talk about how the future of the program will be in his hands one day and to always prepare for that moment. While Mack exudes confidence and says he is ready for what lies ahead, he never wanted to see the torch passed like this.</p>
<p id="R4XorV">“Pretty sure our whole team is going to be playing for him,” Mack said.</p>
<div id="Gp3gWT">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Darriel Mack Jr. admitted that it was very difficult to move on following Milton's injury. But he knew we had a job to do. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a> <a href="https://t.co/kV2Ci1KaYO">pic.twitter.com/kV2Ci1KaYO</a></p>— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spokes_Murphy/status/1066148937952837632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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<p id="AfjAoS">Johnson called Mack “a stud” and assured him at halftime that every Knight has full faith in his ability, something Mack said he already knew. </p>
<p id="krwrrm">The Norfolk, Va. native completed only five of 14 throws, but he was on target for three of his final four passes, including a 47-yard strike to Dredrick Snelson. He also gained 51 yards on the ground.</p>
<p id="C8y6JH">“We’ve got to rally behind 8 now,” Grant said.</p>
<p id="UXz9SJ">That’s Mack’s number. UCF will obviously need Mack to be a true dual threat in next Saturday’s AAC Championship Game rematch versus Memphis. His number will be called upon for the rest of the season, and he will have to be ready.</p>
<p id="9XAYtT">But it’s the<em> other</em> number of the <em>other</em> quarterback that will be on everyone’s heart and mind for at least as long as this season lasts.</p>
<p id="t8Dy4m">“We’re out there playing for number 10,’” Johnson said.</p>
<div id="fCKPDN">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Linebacker Nate Evans talks about playing for McKenzie. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCF</a> <a href="https://t.co/8JdA7ED32S">pic.twitter.com/8JdA7ED32S</a></p>— Brian Murphy (@Spokes_Murphy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spokes_Murphy/status/1066153429251358720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a>
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https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/23/18109559/ucf-knights-season-takes-on-a-new-motto-after-losing-mckenzie-milton-injuryBrian Murphy_UCF2018-11-23T10:00:04-05:002018-11-23T10:00:04-05:00Knights’ Roundtable: How to Beat the Bulls
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<img alt="NCAA Football: South Florida at Central Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gTHZLs4Mjy0m6pzeHJ-STbpscWo=/0x0:3386x2257/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62385989/usa_today_10434441.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Derek Warden, Jeremy Brener and Jeff Sharon answer questions regarding this today’s game against USF.</p> <p id="PqdW20">Each week, a few staff contributors will answer five questions regarding the upcoming events in <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/"><strong>UCF Knights</strong></a> sports. It’s a way to get the staff to come together as well as the rest of Knights Nation, to see if they agree or disagree with the crew at BGB.</p>
<p id="kNiORW">Today, Jeremy Brener, Jeff Sharon, and Derek Warden take their seats at the roundtable to answer this today’s upcoming War on I-4 against the USF Bulls.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="TMJ7Oh">
<h3 id="ocM6xY"><strong>1. Does the opponent make this game any more different or meaningful than any other game previously?</strong></h3>
<p id="V0H6wi"><strong>Jeremy Brener</strong>: UCF comes in every week against a faceless opponent. The motto this season has been 1-0. It’s not about what you’ve done before, it’s not about what’s coming ahead, it’s about the here & now. The Knights truly believe that they can beat anyone they face so why does it matter if it is a team from West Florida over any other team. It doesn’t matter who they play, they go in with the mindset that they are going to win. </p>
<p id="Ln5IvV"><strong>Jeff Sharon</strong>: Well, no, other than if they lose, the whole season comes to a screeching halt. So maybe, yeah? Funny how it used to be the other way around. But now, I think the players and coaches look at USF as a speed bump rather than an obstacle. But the fans, of course, look at it a different way.</p>
<p id="WxoTSp"><strong>Derek Warden</strong>: Yes. They are our rival, and you always want to beat your rival no matter how good or bad your season has gone. For our players, this not just another chance to go 1-0, but a chance to for payback for the end of the 2016 game where S. Florida scored a meaningless touchdown with seconds remaining in order to run up the score. For the fans, it’s bragging rights next Monday at work if we win AND if we take over RayJay.</p>
<h3 id="FYssAx"><strong>2. Will USF be more motivated about this game given last year’s result?</strong></h3>
<p id="mPJ1eP"><strong>Jeremy Brener</strong>: Absolutely. It’s one of the most painful losses the team has experienced. It stings and the Bulls from last year’s team want the Knights to feel that same pain. And this year, the Knights have WAY more to lose than the Bulls, so it might hurt even worse if UCF comes out of this game with the loss.</p>
<p id="7wzYwR"><strong>Jeff Sharon</strong>: I watched last week’s game against Temple and that team looks mentally fragile. They were up 17-0, and as soon as Temple showed signs of life, you could see the wind come out of their sails. After four straight losses, I think their motivation comes from trying to salvage this season, rather than anything that happened last year.</p>
<p id="Q3H8C3"><strong>Derek Warden</strong>: Getting off their 4-game slide and showing some fight is probably more important to the school out west than avenging last year’s loss. I think they know they’re just not as good as UCF and will be playing to not get blown out.</p>
<h3 id="MbgrUe"><strong>3. Who does UCF need to look out for on the other side?</strong></h3>
<p id="6DENjj"><strong>Jeremy Brener</strong>: <span>Tyre McCants</span> is a stud, definitely someone to look out for. He’s probably the one player that can keep up with UCF’s high-octane offense on the other side of the ball. If the Bulls utilize McCants properly, it could pressure the Knights.</p>
<p id="naMp9i"><strong>Jeff Sharon</strong>: <span>Tyre McCants</span> is still there. He was all over the place last year (9 catches for 227 yards and a TD), and even though he hasn’t exactly been the Bulls’ premiere target this year, we know what he’s capable of. It would be nice to put a body on him.</p>
<p id="LXRevb"><strong>Derek Warden</strong>: They should be mindful of their thicc wide receiver McCants (#8), who torched us last year. They have a good run game, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to go back to the well that worked for them last year.</p>
<h3 id="BHe2BX"><strong>4. Should this rivalry be given a lot more attention nationally or do you believe it is right where it should be?</strong></h3>
<p id="ubHrO6"><strong>Jeremy Brener</strong>: Given how last year’s game went, it should have more attention. However, I don’t believe this year’s game will match the hype of last year’s. I can’t imagine the game being super tight or having the same atmosphere as last year’s game had. So I think it’s right where it should be.</p>
<p id="TMyhtB"><strong>Jeff Sharon</strong>: If you asked me this last year, I would have said the latter. But after last year’s barnburner and the TV audience it drew, I’d say it’s right where it should be in terms of intensity. Now, if only South Florida would uphold their end of the bargain and be consistent, that would be great.</p>
<p id="Qv1qWc"><strong>Derek Warden</strong>: This is a good rivalry, but outside of last year, there haven’t been any real games where both teams were really good. We need a few more games last 2017 where both teams are either ranked or close to it before this can be considered a nationally relevant rivalry. But, there is a reason the hashtag #usfhateweek exists.</p>
<h3 id="BdXNcy"><strong>5. Score & attendance prediction. How much of the crowd will be Knights’ fans and how much will be Bulls’ fans?</strong></h3>
<p id="S5WTRc"><strong>Jeremy Brener</strong>: 40-21, UCF Knights. I think it will be 55-45 UCF fans. The team simply has the fanbase’s attention way more than USF does right now.</p>
<p id="SEc949"><strong>Derek Warden</strong>: UCF 48, Cows 24. Attendance: USF claims 65K, actual turnstile count 50K in keeping with their habit of over-reporting their attendance by ~30%. Additionally, the fact that they are urging their fans to takeover RayJay means they have already taken one “L” in the attendance game.</p>
<p id="XHa7AM"><strong>Jeff Sharon</strong>: Knights pull ahead early and don’t look back. 48-21. I’ll say numbers-wise it will be right on 50/50, but it will sound like a UCF takeover after the first quarter or so.</p>
<p id="c0Jq3l"></p>
https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/2018/11/23/18108582/knights-roundtable-how-to-beat-the-bullsJeremy_Brener2018-11-21T13:10:49-05:002018-11-21T13:10:49-05:00Who UCF Fans Should Root For in Week 13
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<figcaption>Derek Warden</figcaption>
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<p>UCF’s jump in the polls leaves the door cracked for a playoff berth</p> <p id="S9TEZB">A few weeks ago, we look a look at <a href="https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2018-college-football-predictions/">FiveThirtyEight’s College Football Predictor</a> to game out some scenarios that would increase the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a>’ chances of making the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-playoff">College Football Playoff</a>.</p>
<p id="njaIYh">Well, a lot has happened since then, and now that we’re heading for Thanksgiving Weekend and the rivalry games that come with it, things are coming into sharper focus.</p>
<p id="afvYD2">For one thing, the Knights <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/20/18105686/ucf-knights-crack-the-cfp-top-ten-playoff-college-football">jumped a couple of spots in the College Football Playoff rankings to #9</a>, leaping over Ohio State in the process. The fewer hurdles you have to jump, the better.</p>
<p id="T443kN">The Knights currently have a 4% chance of making the playoff, according to FiveThirtyEight. Win out and it jumps to 6%, without knowing the results of any other games.</p>
<p id="uyuO9w">Let’s take a look at what else UCF needs to happen:</p>
<h1 id="IS9cGD">#1: Beat South Florida</h1>
<p id="NXliYd">Of course. And preferably as handily as possible. The game will be televised in the late afternoon on ESPN on Friday, so given how UCF’s performance last week before a large national audience helped them in the CFP Rankings, a big win over the Bulls will help.</p>
<p id="1waCiJ">But never mind the result at this point. Just win.</p>
<h1 id="IgaG7k">#2: Win the AAC Championship against whoever</h1>
<p id="YExSKH">The collapse of the AAC’s West Division means that functionally it doesn’t matter who UCF plays in the conference championship at home on December 1st.</p>
<p id="LhYQig">Houston (8-3, 5-2 AAC) is the leader, but they play Memphis (7-4) Friday at noon on ABC. The winner comes to Orlando next week.</p>
<p id="7I0fvk">Technically, one could argue that a UCF-Memphis rematch might behoove the Knights. UCF beat the Tigers by only one point earlier this year, so if they beat Memphis handily in the AAC Championship, that might erase some doubts about that game in relation to the Knights’ strength of victories.</p>
<h1 id="IKSLGK">#3: Hope for the following results</h1>
<p id="ylSeOD">Over we go to FiveThirtyEight to game out the best-case scenario.</p>
<p id="TwNTDf">I was able to get the Knights’ chances heading into conference championship weekend to <strong>28%</strong> among statistically reasonable scenarios, thanks to this combination of results (on top of UCF winning out):</p>
<ul>
<li id="TpZsR3">#1 Alabama beats Auburn</li>
<li id="G4Emet">#2 Clemson beats South Carolina</li>
<li id="kpEbgZ">USC beats #3 Notre Dame</li>
<li id="ZVjWpu">#4 Michigan beats #10 Ohio State</li>
<li id="w4Unde">#13 West Virginia beats #6 Oklahoma</li>
<li id="NuL7ik">#22 Texas A&M beats #7 LSU</li>
<li id="50aY0a">#16 Washington beats #8 Washington State</li>
<li id="h0tc6F">#14 Texas beats Kansas</li>
</ul>
<p id="bB9poX">We’ll get to the Georgia-Georgia Tech game in a second.</p>
<p id="nXBRqd">Granted, 28% isn’t great odds, but it’s not impossible, especially given that we still have a bunch of games to play next week.</p>
<h1 id="e4O9eh">Georgia <em>really</em> needs to lose.</h1>
<p id="2OFaAw">The sticking point here is #5 Georgia. They face Georgia Tech this weekend before going up against Alabama in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/sec-championship-game">SEC Championship</a>.</p>
<p id="6wJ6Ff">Ticking a win for the Dawgs over the Yellow Jackets does nothing to UCF’s chances in the above scenario. But if the 7-4 Ramblin’ Wreck (who are second in the ACC Coastal behind...wait for it...Pitt!) pull off the upset in Athens, well, this is what I get:</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pKFYJmN7umB22i7xyzQhuH9f6D0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13461998/Screen_Shot_2018_11_21_at_11.58.51_AM.png">
<cite>FiveThirtyEight</cite>
</figure>
<p id="WxoP9M">Wait a second...Can we zoom in a tad?</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/pjPF7Zz5zR0orT2en48nqmUTLGk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/13462003/Screen_Shot_2018_11_21_at_11.58.51_AM.png">
</figure>
<h1 id="v991kj">So you’re saying there’s a chance.</h1>
<p id="5yqXPP">That’s still below 50%. But still, there’s one more week with the potential for more chaos ahead.</p>
<h1 id="4yKCGl">The real scenario UCF needs</h1>
<p id="mXP2Wj">As <a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/139-the-beat-of-sports-26936826/episode/the-path-to-the-playoffs-for-30181249/">Marc Daniels alluded to on his radio show this week</a>, what UCF really needs is for all of the undefeateds to remain undefeated, and for everyone else to finish with two losses.</p>
<p id="WzD8p2">Should any Power Conference team finish with only one loss, that dramatically hurts UCF’s chances, since the committee would likely put that team in the playoff over them, even if the Knights finish undefeated.</p>
<p id="j7JaTB">But an undefeated Knights team coupled with a cluster of 2-loss teams will at least make those in the Ivory Tower think about it really hard.</p>
<p id="OGVUT6">The overwhelming bulk of these scenarios likely still will result in the Knights being left out, unfortunately. Even if things do break the right way, they <em>still</em> might get left out. But we’ve seen chaos happen before in the final two weeks of the season, and if it happens again, the Knights just might be one of the four teams in a playoff seat when the music stops.</p>
https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2018/11/21/18106650/who-ucf-knights-fans-should-root-for-in-week-13-playoff-chancesJeffSharon2018-11-21T00:49:20-05:002018-11-21T00:49:20-05:00PODCAST #133: College GameDay, War on I-4, and Way Too Much More
<figure>
<img alt="South Florida vs Central Florida" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iGFnQk8HQm4vnHLEWGWnNiHvciI=/0x0:5472x3648/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62372282/878667876.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Guests: Jimmy Skiles, Erik Kohler, The Dan LeBatard Show’s Mike Ryan, AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco and Collin Sherwin</p> <p id="S31Twr">On this way-too-long edition of the Black & Gold Banneret Podcast, Jeff and Eric re-live ESPN College GameDay’s visit to campus and the <a href="https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/">UCF Knights</a>’ primetime wipeout of Cincinnati, with interviews from UCF Athletics’ Jimmy Skiles, Erik Kohler, The Dan LeBatard Show’s Mike Ryan, and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> Athletic Conference Commissioner Mike Aresco. Then Collin Sherwin, Editor Emeritus of SB Nation’s <a href="https://www.thedailystampede.com/">South Florida Bulls</a> site <a href="http://www.thedailystampede.com">The Daily Stampede</a>, joins the show to preview the South Florida Bulls heading into the War on I-4. Finally, Jeff and Eric catch you up on Men’s Soccer, Volleyball, and Women’s and Men’s Basketball prior to hibernating for the Thanksgiving holiday.</p>
<p id="WENyEf"><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fblack-and-gold-banneret%2Fshow-133-college-gameday-at-ucf-war-on-i-4-preview-and-much-more&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blackandgoldbanneret.com%2Fpodcast%2F2018%2F11%2F21%2F18106057%2Fpodcast-133-college-gameday-war-on-i-4-and-way-too-much-more-ucf-knights-mike-aresco-usf-bulls" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank">Listen here</a>:</p>
<div id="5UMk76"><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F533245806&show_artwork=true&maxheight=166"></iframe></div>
<p id="zQoyBV">This show is over two hours, which is our gift to you for the long car ride to wherever you’re going for Thanksgiving. But if you want to cut to the chase, here are the timestamps for our guests:</p>
<ul>
<li id="En0WeW">Jimmy Skiles - 6:30</li>
<li id="uQag7m">Erik Kohler - 18:15</li>
<li id="iNls7Q">Mike Ryan - 34:00</li>
<li id="9prm83">Mike Aresco - 54:10</li>
<li id="Rh3Cry">Collin Sherwin - 1:11:30</li>
</ul>
<p id="vBhgHZ">The Black & Gold Banneret Podcast is sponsored by Orlando Homes Express, serving Orange, Seminole and Lake Counties. Call 407-790-9957 or visit <a href="https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Ffacebook.com%2Fwesellorlando"><strong>facebook.com/wesellorlando</strong></a> or <a href="https://exit.sc/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.WeSellOrlando.net"><strong>www.WeSellOrlando.net</strong></a>.</p>
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https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/podcast/2018/11/21/18106057/podcast-133-college-gameday-war-on-i-4-and-way-too-much-more-ucf-knights-mike-aresco-usf-bullsJeffSharon