Football Stumbles Against No. 15 UCF, 45-19

Saturday, November 18

Philadelphia, Pa.

12:00 p.m.

Temple University

5-6 , 3-4

UCF

10-0 , 7-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

UCF

Temple

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Football Stumbles Against No. 15 UCF, 45-19

11.18.17 | Football

PHILADELPHIA - Despite playing host to Senior Day and opening the game with serious energy, Temple failed to overcome No. 15 UCF and its undefeated streak, falling to the Knights 45-19 in the Owls' home finale. Led by QB McKenzie Milton, UCF dominated the turnover battle throughout the game, gifting the nation's top scoring offense with consistent short fields due to the five Temple turnovers (four interceptions, one fumble).

Keys to the Game

> After missing a 29-yarder on the opening possession, sophomore K Aaron Boumerhi redeemed himself with a successful 35-yard field goal to grant Temple an early 3-0 lead, putting the Knights in a trailing position for the just the fourth time this year.

> The UCF offense quickly responded on its ensuing possession, driving 60 yards over seven plays to tack on their first touchdown of the game. Milton took care of the scoring himself, rushing the final four yards for the TD.

> Early in the second quarter, the Owls marched their way down the field for the unit's first touchdown, ending the drive on an eight-yard TD catch by senior WR Keith Kirkwood. With the score, Temple reestablished its lead over UCF, 10-7.

> Determined to match the Owls, Milton and the Knights' offense compiled a second straight scoring drive, this time watching Dredrick Snelson rush two yards into the end zone after receiving a pitch from Milton on the right edge for the 14-10 advantage.

> Following an interception of Nutile, the UCF offense went to work with a short field, scoring this time on a nine-yard toss from Milton to Otis Anderson for a 21-10 lead midway through the second period.

> The Temple offense continued to struggle as RB Ryquell Armstead fumbled deep in Owls' territory, once again granting the Knights with excellent field position. A defensive stand kept UCF out of the end zone, though, as Matthew Wright drilled a 33-yarder for a 24-10 edge.

> Offensive issues continued to plague Temple, as Nutile threw his second pick of the game following a pair of back-to-back punts by both teams. The Knights went to work on the Owls' five-yard line after the return, scoring on one play for a 31-10 lead.

> With just over two minutes to play in the half, QB Frank Nutile was able to orchestrate an 11-play drive deep into UCF territory, setting up Boumerhi for his second field goal on the day as time expired, nailing a 41-yarder for a 31-13 halftime deficit.

> The Knights' offense picked up the second half right where they left off, taking their second possession of the third quarter 49 yards for a touchdown. Milton once again involved himself on the score, tossing a 21-yarder to Tre'Quan Smith for the TD and 38-13 advantage.

> After yet another Temple interception, Milton guided his offense back down inside the red zone, finding Marlon Williams for an eight-yard TD up the left sideline and a commanding 45-13 edge.

> Temple was able to find the scoreboard once in the second half behind a season-best 74-yard touchdown pass from Nutile to redshirt junior Adonis Jennings, cutting the lead down to what would serve as the final score, 45-19.

Game Notes

> Playing into the spirit of a Senior Day that sent off 21 players and a class that is tied for the winningest in school history (31 victories), head coach Geoff Collins put in redshirt senior DE Chris Smith for the first time this season.

> Redshirt senior DL Greg Webb earned his first start of the year at defensive tackle, a position he has played crucial back-up throughout the season.

> Midway through the fourth quarter, Jennings grabbed a 74-yard touchdown pass from Nutile, a play that would serve as both the Owls' season-long from scrimmage and the redshirt junior's career-long reception. Jennings continued his trend of only catching touchdowns over 30 yards, earning his fifth on the year and his fourth from Nutile.
> Playing for the final time at Lincoln Financial Field, redshirt senior DL Jullian Taylor compiled his best game to date, racking up a career-high 10 tackles with 4.5 tackles-for-loss. Similarly, fellow redshirt senior DE Sharif Finch continued to harass opposing quarterbacks as he put together yet another two-sack game, not to mention his three TFLs.

Up Next

The Owls wrap up their regular season schedule with a post-Thanksgiving trip to Tulsa, battling for bowl eligibility against the Golden Hurricane on Saturday, November 25.