Adrian Killins’ 2 Touchdowns Lift Knights Over SMU

(Photo by Adrian J. Hernandez / New Day Review)

Game Recap

In what amounted to be the UCF Knights’ second close game of the season, the Knights found themselves in a familiar position. Against Southern Methodist University, the Knights needed a second-half score to propel them to victory. Enter Adrian Killins. For the third time this year, Killins broke off an explosive run for a touchdown to give the Knights the momentum needed to help close out the game.

Behind Killins’ explosiveness, the No. 18 Knights (8-0, 5-0 in American Athletic Conference) spoiled the Mustangs’ (6-3, 3-2 in AAC) homecoming with a 31-24 win at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

SMU scored three of its 10 second-half points early in the third quarter to cut UCF’s lead to 21-17. But the Knights didn’t wait long to respond. On the second play of the ensuing drive, quarterback McKenzie Milton gave the ball to Killins for an inside run that sprung for a 64-yard score and a 28-17 lead.

SMU continued to press, though. Midway through the third quarter, the Knights had an opportunity to take a three-possession lead from SMU’s 19-yard line. Milton’s pass to tight end Jordan Akins went for 12 yards but not before Akins was stripped. SMU then recovered the ball on the eight-yard line, and Xavier Jones’ late, third-quarter touchdown run made UCF’s lead just 28-24.

The Knights’ defense, however, didn’t let SMU score the rest of the game.

UCF’s defensive performance was poor to begin, but early troubles began on the offensive side. For only the second time all season, UCF failed to score on its opening drive. A failed fourth-down conversion on a Taj McGowan run in the red zone set up SMU for its longest play of the game. On the Mustangs’ first offensive play, wide receiver James Proche caught a slant and broke four tackles for an 86-yard touchdown reception to stun UCF with an early 7-0 lead.

Midway through the second quarter, Milton’s second interception of the game turned into points for SMU. On third down, Milton dropped back, searching for Tre’Quan Smith in the middle of the field. Milton threw it behind Smith and was intercepted by Jordan Wyatt, who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 14-14.

UCF was undeterred, however, and, two drives later, drove 85 yards on five plays in a little over a minute. Three of the Knights’ five plays for over 20 yards, as Killins scored a 34-yard rushing touchdown to open his scoring for the game. The run put the Knights up 21-14 late in the second quarter.

The UCFs defense thwarted SMU on several key plays, too. With SMU facing a third-and-two early in the second quarter, SMU running back Ke’Mon Freeman rushed toward the end zone but was met by safety Tre Neal. Neal jarred the ball free that allowed fellow safety Kyle Gibson to recover it for a touchback. After consecutive incompletions on the ensuing drive, Milton found Gabriel Davis for the true freshman’s second touchdown of the season, an 80-yard bomb to give the Knights a 14-7 lead.

UCF capped its stalwart defensive performance by forcing SMU to punt and turn it over on downs twice on its final three drives. Facing fourth-and-three, SMU quarterback Ben Hicks found the nation’s leader in receptions Trey Quinn on a wide-open slant pattern, but Quinn dropped the ball and the sure-fire conversion.

Player of the Game: RB Adrian Killins

This was the third game this season that a long Killins touchdown occurred when the Knights needed a score. In games against the University of Memphis and the Navy Midshipmen, the sophomore scored highlight touchdowns to give UCF momentum to help win those games. Against SMU, it was no different. Killins’ 64-yard touchdown in the early in the third quarter gave the Knights a sufficient-enough lead to fend off SMU. Killins finished with 145 yards and two touchdowns.

What’s Next?

UCF takes on the University of Connecticut (5-2, 3-1 in AAC) on Saturday at Spectrum Stadium.

Knights Face Red-zone Struggles Against SMU

UCF’s offense gained 615 yards during the game but only scored 31 points. Of their four red-zone trips, UCF scored on just two. UCF’s first visit in the red zone ended after McGowan was stopped short on fourth down on the Knights’ opening drive of the game. Akins’ fumble toward the end of the third quarter spoiled another red-zone trip for UCF.

UCF’s Cornerbacks Tested Against SMU Wide Receivers

Mike Hughes has been an integral part of the Knights’ secondary since he earned a regular starting spot after UCF’s season-opener. He has solidified himself as the Knights’ No. 1 cornerback option. The corners opposite him have played admirably as well. Against SMU and some of the best receivers in the conference, however, that group struggled.

Redshirt freshman Brandon Moore was bench in the first quarter of the game. His replacement was Nevelle Clarke, who was playing in just his second game since returning from a six-game suspension. While most receivers were held under 50 receiving yards, Proche finished with seven catches for 173 yards and a touchdown.

Freshman Wide Receivers Provide Needed Boost for UCF

During the offseason, UCF landed three freshman wide receivers. Before the SMU game, Otis Anderson consistently made the most impact. But against SMU, Davis and Marlon Williams proved to be the newcomers’ stars.

After a solid collegiate debut against the FIU Panthers, recording four catches for 53 yards and his first-career touchdown, Davis became relatively quiet. He nearly matched his season total in yards (99) against SMU with three catches for 97 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown reception. Williams also had a career game, catching three passes for 58 yards. His long was a 46-yard effort in the first half.

Highlights

n/a

NDR Notes

• UCF failed to score on its opening drive for the second time this season.
• The Knights’ faced a seven-point deficit six minutes into the game. It was the largest they had faced all season.
• UCF committed three turnovers in the win over SMU, a season-high.
• In the win over the Mustangs, the Knights’ offense had nine plays of at least 20 yards.

Scoring

Statistics

Passing

Rushing

Receiving

For more on the Knights, as they prepare for their second-to-last home game of the season, follow Ryan Weiss on Twitter at @NDR_RyanWeiss.