UCF Knights Rocket Past Memphis in Space Game

The UCF Knights Football hosted the Memphis Tigers Friday night in their 5th Annual Space Game. With 39,328 in attendance, the Knights showed off their all white, creatively detailed spaced themed uniforms while the Tigers were in all Memphis blue.

The Knights entered the game with a 3-3 overall record & 1-2 in conference play and the Tigers 4-3 overall & 1-2 in the conference.

UCF scored first with a 11 yard touchdown connection from Mikey Keene to Brandon Johnson and then another with a 17 yard completion from Joey Gatewood to Ryan O’Keefe just before the end of the 1st quarter.

Memphis fought back with a score of their own early in the 2nd quarter from a Brandon Thomas 9 yard run. However, that would prove to be the Tigers’ only score for the game. UCF’s defense stifled the Memphis offense for the remainder of the game picking off 3 passes, a fumble recovery and recording multiple sacks.

With the Knights defense locking down Memphis, their offense added 10 unanswered points which included a 31 yard touchdown run from O’Keefe and a 24 yard field from Daniel Obarski.

UCF Knights win 24-7.

Looking ahead, UCF will take to the road to face Temple as they look to improve their 4-3 overall record & 2-2 conference record. Memphis will have a bye week before hosting the undefeated 19th ranked SMU Mustangs on Saturday, No. 6.

GAME STATS

Offense:

UCF – 295 yds total, 17 first downs, 3rd down conversions 3 of 12, time of possession 28:10

ECU – 292 yds total, 24 first downs, 3rd down conversions 4 of 14, time of possession 31:50

Rushing:

UCF (215 yds) – I. Bowser 26/111 yds, J. Richardson 6/47 yds, R. O’Keefe 3/41 yds 1 TD

ECU (141 yds) – P. Parrish 22/60 yds

Passing:

UCF – M. Keene 11-19 63 yds 1 INT, J. Gatewood 2-2 17yds 1TD

MEM– P. Parrish 31-48 215 yds 3 INT

Receiving:

UCF – R. O’Keefe 6/41 yds 1TD, B. Johnson 3/25 yds 1TD