For the UCF Knights, a perfect, 13-0 season and a 2018 Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl win weren’t enough.
On Jan. 22, quarterback McKenzie Milton was added the Archie Griffin Award to his trophy case, an award given to college football’s most valuable player. Milton becomes the first non-Power Five player to win the award in its 19-year existence.
With the award, Milton joins an elite group of players.
Included on the list are Clemson University’s quarterback Deshaun Watson (2015), Ohio State University’s running back Ezekiel Elliott (2014), Standford University quarterback Andrew Luck (2010), Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Michael Vick (1999) and new UCF head coach and former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Josh Heupel (2000).
Milton threw for 4,037 yards, 37 touchdowns and 9 interceptions on 67.1 percent passing (265-for-395) in the Knights’ first-ever perfect season. He also rushed for an additional 613 yards and 8 touchdowns, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
In UCF’s win over Auburn University at the Peach Bowl, Milton earned offensive MVP honors with a 3-touchdown performance, recording 358 total yards.
For more on Milton and the Knights, as they prepare for spring ball, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.
To contact Victor, you can email him at vtan@newdayreview.com.
