UCF Upends Villanova Before Heading Into Big 12 Play

The UCF Knights hosted the Villanova Wildcats Saturday night ay “The Bounce House” FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, FL. The Knights returned home after a tough last second win over Boise State off of the foot of kicker Colton Boomer to improve to 2-0. UCF transfer QB Timmy McClain made his debut start replacing starter John Rhys-Plumlee out with a knee injury suffered in the Boise State game. The Wildcats entered The Bounce House undefeated with wins over Lehigh and Colgate.

UCF top ranked offense went to work quick and often throughout the entire first half. The Knights converted 6 of their 8 first half possessions scoring 6 touchdowns and 2 field goals for 34 points. UCF’s scoring breakdown included 2 rushing touchdowns by Jordan McDonald, 1 rushing touchdown by RJ Harvey, 1 touchdown reception by Javon Baker from Timmy McClain, and field goals by Colton Boomer.

Defensively, the Knights showed why they are ranked in multiple categories. UCF’s defense made the Villanova offense miserable in shutting them down on all 7 of their possessions including an interception and 42 yd return by Nikai Martinez. In the first half, the Knights allowed just 3 first downs and 38 total yards of offense. UCF 34-0 at the half.

The second half did not have the same level of UCF dominance but it was still very evident that there was not going to be a comeback for the Wildcats. Both teams scored just 1 touchdown each in both the 3rd and 4th quarter for a 48-14 final score.