The Knights (5-3, 3-2 in C-USA) miraculously pulled out a last minute victory from what was seemingly going to be a win for Marshall (5-4, 3-2 in C-USA), Sunday night at Bright House Networks Stadium before an announced crowd of 35,676.
Junior defensive end Bruce Miller, who finished with two-and-a-half sacks, 10 tackles, one forced fumble and a pass deflection; as well as the game ending sack stated, “I don’t think I’ve heard it that loud since we won the conference championship [in 2007]. It was a great feeling. It was a great victory for us. We played the entire game. We never quit even though we were down late in the game.” Miller was also named the defensive player of the game for UCF.
UCF had previously shared alliance with Marshall in the MAC Conference where Marshall declared their own rule over the Knights, with a series lead of 3-0. Since both teams entered C-USA play, the Knights now hold a series edge over The Herd of 5 – 0 after last nights win.
This was a key C-USA game for UCF. A loss on Saturday night may have banished any hope for a chance to play in the championship game.
After last week’s impressive, offensive performance that resulted in a 49 – 7 trouncing of Rice, the UCF offense stalled for the better part of the first half of play. Special teams gave little advantage to UCF and the team had to rely heavily on the defense for support to maintain an edge.
After a dismal start, the Knights offense, under the direction of senior quarterback Brett Hodges, found life in the second quarter. After being down 7 – 0, UCF pieced together a drive that included a very gutsy call from head coach George O’Leary on fourth-and-four. The call to go for a touchdown versus attempting a field goal paid off as Hodges connected with wide receiver Kamar Aiken for a 4-yard touchdown tying the game at 7 – 7.
The second half began much as the first with dropped passes, breakdown in offensive line coverage, few rushing lanes and errant mistakes. The offense once again looked stagnant and bland against the Marshall defense.
Once again, the UCF defense played the hero stepping up and placing the ball back into the hands of the Knights offense. Hodges made this fourth quarter drive count with precise throws and great reads all while avoiding a heavy Marshall defensive rush. Once again, a call to go for it on fourth down panned out as Hodges connected with Ross at the 4-yard line. UCF scored again as sophomore running back Brynn Harvey scored on a 4-yard touchdown.
Just as it looked as though the UCF well of fourth down conversions would not run dry, the water refused to run as the Knights missed another opportunity to score deep in Marshall territory with 2:40 remaining in the fourth quarter.
With 2:40 remaining on the clock, Marshall looked set to run out the clock after taking over on downs. Once again, C-USA’s leading defense came to life forcing a fumble as junior quarterback Brian Anderson was stripped by Bruce Miller, which allowed freshman cornerback Josh Robinson to recover on the UCF 30-yard line.
UCF had 2:12 to place a game winning drive together. With no timeouts, UCF banded together and executed a skillful drive in which Hodges converted a critical third-and-ten with a 19-yard pass to Aiken to give UCF the ball on their Marshall’s 1-yard line.
On first-and-goal, Hodges connected on a quick pass to Ross in the end zone for the game tying touchdown. After kicker Nick Cattoi connected on the extra point, UCF pulled ahead of Marshall 21-20 with 23 seconds left in the game.
When asked about the decision to throw on first-and-goal, O’Leary stated, “It was a good call, they didn’t cover him. There was no one on him.”
This touchdown would give UCF a lead its defense would not again surrender.
Hodges gritty performance was noticed nationally, but maybe none as much as by Coach O’Leary himself. O’Leary said that he considered pulling Hodges off of the field after some of the punishment he took during the fourth quarter. However, Hodges continued to waive his coach off as he wanted to stay in the game. “He’s a tough kid,” said O’Leary, “I think sometimes that rubs off and that’s contagious on the rest of the players around him.”
Hodges eventually had a career night. Experiencing constant pressure from The Herd defense which included numerous hurries and three sacks, Hodges finished the game with 342 yards passing, UCF’s first 300 yard passing performance this season and two touchdowns with no interceptions.
When asked about the game, Hodges said, “It huge, it was, I think, the biggest game of our season.”
The Knights will play against No.2 Texas Saturday at Noon.
Jason Smith covers the University of Central Florida Knights football for the West Orlando News. He can be reached at doverjase@hotmail, on twitter at twitter.com/doverjase and on facebook at facebook.com/doverjase.
