UCF Football: 3 takeaways from thrilling 50-49 loss to Memphis

Two of the best offenses delivered another instant classic as Memphis out-duels UCF football. What did we learn from this one?

Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings made one of the most memorable country songs over the past four decades, with the hit single, Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys.

To those that follow the AAC, that may be edited to be, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Defensive Coordinators.

Over the past three seasons, UCF and Memphis have created some of the best games the AAC has to offer. Three of the last four meetings has exceeded 60 points in between each, including a 62-55 thriller during UCF’s undefeated run in 2017.

History would repeat itself as the teams combined for 99 points and over 1,400 yards of total offense

Right out of the gates, neither team’s offenses hesitated to get out a quick start. UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel would go 4-for-4, with running back Greg McCrae finding the end zone from a yard out on an 11-play, 80-yard drive.

Memphis quarterback Brady White would respond with two big plays to receiver Calvin Austin III, including a 12-yard pass that would tie the game for the Tigers.

From that point forward, Dillon Gabriel would take over this game. UCF would score 20 points in the second quarter and Gabriel finished the first half with video game type numbers.

Gabriel had 347 yards and three passing touchdowns. Memphis had no answer for Gabriel, with the Knights taking a 27-14 lead heading into the locker room. UCF’s wide receivers would dominate Memphis’s secondary.

UCF would continue to control the game with an 11-play, 75-yard drive, finishing with Gabriel’s first rushing touchdown of the season

Memphis would turn this game on its head with a fantastic third quarter. White would complete two fantastic drives, including a great touchdown pass to Javon Ivory to cut the deficit to six.

There was a worry as to who would take over for the production that Antonio Gibson gave for them last year. Javon Ivory showcased in this game why he could be that next playmaker. With more plays like these, he will get more recognition.

Just as the momentum started to change, UCF’s playmakers would strike once again with a 93-yard touchdown catch off a screen from Ryan O’Keefe.

With all of the chips on the table, Memphis would come up clutch. White would lead a fantastic drive down the field. Inside the five, White could connect with Austin III to give the Tigers the lead with a 50-49 lead with a little over a minute to go.

Gabriel would lead the Knights down the field, but a missed 40-yard field goal by Daniel Obraski would seal the game for Memphis.

White finished with an astounding 486 yards and four touchdowns. Austin would lead the Tigers in receiving with 151 yards and two touchdowns.

UCF had a bunch of impact players, with three receivers eclipsing 100 yards, led by Oklahoma Transfer Jaylon Robinson (173 yards and two touchdowns) and Marlon Williams (191 yards and a touchdown).

What’d we learn from this UCF loss to Memphis?