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UCF Football: 3 takeaways from Knights’ blowout win over UConn

By Gavin Jernigan

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights reacts after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-27 to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: McKenzie Milton #10 of the UCF Knights reacts after defeating the Auburn Tigers 34-27 to win the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 1, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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As expected, UCF football dominated their Week 1 game against the UConn Huskies. Here are a few things we learned in the first game of the year.

Following a perfect 13-0 season is probably the hardest thing to do for a college football team. Last season, the UCF Golden Knights defeated Auburn in the Peach Bowl, and claimed themselves the 2017 National Champions. Many would agree that the title is appropriate given the fact Auburn beat the College Football Playoff winning Alabama Crimson Tide, earlier in the season.

In a Week 1, Thursday night game, UCF beat the Huskies with ease with a 56-17 win. The Golden Knights got off to an early lead and never looked back. Both the offense and defense looked solid for UCF.

The Huskies, on the other hand, showed some light on offense due to the explosiveness and leadership of David Pindell. The UConn defense was no match for Milton and the various other weapons on the UCF offense.

3. McKenzie Milton running the show

Although UCF lost one of their biggest leaders on defense, Shaquem Griffin, the Golden Knights returned their star quarterback for another year.

Quite simply, McKenzie Milton appeared incredibly comfortable and confident in the season opener. In the first half alone, Milton completed 13-of-16 passing attempt for 205 passing yards. Additionally, Milton rushed for 50 yards, resulting in three total touchdowns. Eventually, Milton matched his previous career high of five passing touchdowns by the beginning of the fourth quarter.

In Josh Heupel’s first game as head coach at UCF, he wised up early in the fourth quarter and pulled his quarterback from the game and put in backup quarterback, Darriel Mack Jr.

Heisman hopeful

McKenzie Milton looks to be a front-runner early on in the 2018 Heisman Trophy race. With a 14-game win streak for the Golden Knights, Milton will be able to build a convincing resume so long as the team keeps winning.

Milton wasn’t the only quarterback on the field who showed some serious talent.

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