UCF Football: 3 takeaways from statement win over Stanford

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

2. Greg McCrae led a strong backfield performance by UCF

As a team, UCF finished the game against Stanford with 198 total rushing yards and two running scores on 44 carries. It was an impressive performance where the Knights averaged nearly seven yards per carry as a group, comprehensively breaking down a Cardinal front seven that had few answers for a veteran offensive line.

Greg McCrae led the way for the Knights on the ground, racking up 109 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. That included a 73-yard burst from the UCF 8 in the second quarter that set the Knights up to go up 38-7 before the end of the first half. Coming up big in critical conditions, McCrae proved his value as the top guy on the depth chart.

Behind him, the other Knights running backs proved solid when they spelled McCrae in the backfield. Otis Anderson added a touchdown and 31 yards on 10 touches. Adrian Killins Jr. chipped in eight carries for 44 yards and added four receptions for 28 additional yards. Bentavious Thompson contributed 38 yards on seven carries, and Gabriel added another nine yards from the quarterback position.

As a group, UCF’s offense is heavily predicated on softening up defenses on the ground for a knockout punch through the air. The plan worked to perfection against Stanford on Saturday afternoon as the running backs came through to pace UCF to victory.