UCF Football: What hosting College GameDay means to the Knights

The UCF players needed a spark

I was at UCF’s game in Week 11 against Navy. The score ended 35-24 in favor of the Knights. Now Navy did have a good game, but UCF just looked tired. Tired of winning. There was no excitement from the players. It was homecoming (and sure this doesn’t mean too much), but it appeared as though the team was just going through the motions (of winning, but still).

With all eyes on the Knights this week, the team will be finally getting their opportunity to showcase their incredible level of talent in front of a national audience. The last time they had this kind of opportunity, they beat No. 7 Auburn in the Peach Bowl.

Now on the other side of the field, Cincinnati will be getting their shot to be the team who ended The Streak. This is the Bearcats’ championship game. Saturday night’s game is going to look like a College Football Playoff game. And in a sense, it is an extension of the playoff for UCF.

Player Recognition

McKenzie Milton has been the key to UCF’s success over the past 22 games. This year alone, Milton has thrown for 21 touchdowns and rushed for eight more. He has come up big when needed and has been the leader of this team, on and off the field.

Milton is often overlooked when people talk about the best player/quarterback in the country. But frankly, he is exactly what every college football needs. He is a composed, dual-threat quarterback, who has proven he can win the big game. He is loved by his teammates due to his selfless leadership, and he does not have off-the-field issues. The rest of the country will have the opportunity to see Milton at his finest.

Special Teams Shoutout

Mac Loudermilk is the punter for UCF. He is absolutely an above average punter. He may even get a tryout or two with some professional teams. But, that’s not why he is being recognized. Loudermilk exemplifies what every player, on any field, should be doing: having fun.

Loudermilk gets on the field only a handful of times each game, but when he does, he shows everyone how much he loves the game and how much fun you can have by playing. His post punt celebrations are an inspiration to special-teamers everywhere. Keep an eye out for him, and his rockstar hair, on Saturday.