UCF Knights dominate SMU Mustangs on Senior Day
Bryce Brimhall / Valencia Voice
Running back Dontravious Wilson finished the game with 82 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
The UCF Knights made quick work of win less SMU on senior day, defeating the Mustangs 53-7 on a rainy day at Bright House Networks Stadium.
“I thought it was a good game all around, offense, defense and special teams,” said UCF head coach George O’Leary. “A lot of guys played in the game. We got some turnovers early that made a difference in the game, and I’m happy for the seniors.
UCF used a strong running game to the tune of 59 rushes for 236 yards, led by Micah Reed, who had 113 yards and Dontravious Wilson, who had 82 yards and two touchdowns.
“It felt great stepping up and playing a big role for the offense today,” said sophomore running back Micah Reed.” Coach O’Leary had high praise for Reed’s performance.
“I thought Micah went out and did a nice job. He was running like he did in high school which is why we signed him.”
The Knights (7-3, 5-1) scored on their first four possessions of the game, two rushing touchdowns by Dontravious Wilson, and two passing touchdowns by Justin Holman. Holman hit J.J. Worton and Breshad Perriman for touchdowns of 58 and 25 respectively.
Holman would finish the game going 15 of 22 for 228 yards and the two touchdowns.
Deion Sanders Jr. attempted to give the Mustangs some momentum early in the second quarter, taking a kick return 64 yards to give SMU (0-10, 0-6) good field position, ultimately resulting in a five yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Matt Davis.
Any positive momentum gained after that score would quickly disappear after senior Michael Easten would take the ensuing kickoff 96 yards to the house, his first career return touchdown.
“We’ve been screaming all year about taking one to the house,” said O’Leary. “I’m happy for him.”
UCF would dominate the stat sheet in the first half, and ultimately throughout the game out-gaining SMU 490 to 116 in total yards. UCF forced five turnovers and held the Mustangs to four first downs, the lowest since 2009.
“I thought defensively, we did a nice job of containing the quarterback and keeping him in the pocket,” said O’Leary. “We tackled well in space, which is key against a spread offense like that.”
Shawn Moffitt connected on field goals of 20, 34 and 38 in the second half to extend the UCF lead to 46-7. Moffitt would move into second place on UCF’s all-time scoring list with 288.
Nick Patti would take over at quarterback, among a host of reserves, for the fourth quarter.
The win moves this senior class to 21-3 at Bright House Networks Stadium, and it was an emotional ride for the 21 seniors.
“It goes fast,” said senior linebacker Terrance Plummer. “It’s literally my last game at Bright House Stadium. I never thought I would get to this place, in this moment in time…this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime.”
The Knights will travel to Tampa next week to take on the USF Bulls in the ‘War on I-4.’ The game will kickoff at noon at Raymond James Stadium.
