College Football: Group of Five Week 7 power rankings

Entering the season, UCF was hoping merely to get back to a bowl game after finishing 6-7 in Scott Frost‘s first season at the helm. At this point, though, the Knights have emerged as serious contenders in the American Athletic Conference battle. They are now one of three remaining unbeaten teams in the league, and UCF will continue to push South Florida for the AAC East title if they continue to play like they have so far.

On Saturday, the Knights moved to 4-0 after a weather-shortened blowout of Cincinnati on the road. In just three quarters of work, quarterback McKenzie Milton torched the Bearcats for 374 yards and five touchdowns on 16-of-19 passing. The Knights also rushed for 141 yards and two touchdowns on 21 team carries.

Related Story: UCF Football: Knights win rare 3-quarter game over Cincinnati

While UCF has seen its season shortened by a game, the loss of a game against Maine could be a blessing in disguise. Losing a second FCS opponent strengthened the Knights’ strength of schedule, though the additional loss of a game against Georgia Tech will pare that benefit back a bit.

In the end, though, it all comes down to whether or not UCF keeps winning through October and November. Conference showdowns on the road at Navy, SMU, and Temple still loom on the schedule. If the Knights make it through unscathed, the regular-season finale at home against South Florida will likely serve as a divisional championship game.