The UCF Knights' 25-game win streak has their entire fan base begging for them to get some College Football Playoff love, but that has yet to happen. And it may not happen in the near future after their win streak came to an end on Tuesday afternoon with a 40-32 loss to the 11th-ranked LSU Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl. Joe Burrow overcame a tough start to throw for 394 yards and four touchdowns, as the Tigers held off a comeback attempt by UCF for their 10th win of the season. Central Florida was definitely missing starting quarterback Mackenzie Milton, as they blew an early 11-point lead, and fell a score short of making things interesting late.
Darriel Mack Jr. got the start at quarterback for the Knights, but got sacked five times, as UCF's offense was held to just 250 total yards. That number is 295 yards below their season average, as they suffered their first loss of the season. It also put an end to their bid at a second straight New Year's Six Bowl victory, this after beating the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl a season ago. Their passing game was non-existent on this day without Milton, as Mack was held to 97 yards through the air, with one touchdown and one interception.
Burrow completed 21 of his 34 passes for LSU and found Justin Jefferson for two of his touchdowns, while Derrick Dillon and Ja'Marr Chase also caught scoring passes. Those late scores helped Burrow overcome a 93-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Brandon Moore in the first quarter, which gave UCF a 14-3 advantage. Burrow was also blindsided by a hard block on that return, but did not miss any playing time and still helped his team to victory.
Cole Tracy also played a major role for LSU, making three field goals, helping LSU extend a three-point hafltime lead by scoring 10 points in the third. He added two field goals in the final 15 minutes, and finishes with 97 career made field goals. That breaks the NCAA all-division record, and helps LSU record their first 10-win season since 2013.
Darriel Mack Jr. got the start at quarterback for the Knights, but got sacked five times, as UCF's offense was held to just 250 total yards. That number is 295 yards below their season average, as they suffered their first loss of the season. It also put an end to their bid at a second straight New Year's Six Bowl victory, this after beating the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl a season ago. Their passing game was non-existent on this day without Milton, as Mack was held to 97 yards through the air, with one touchdown and one interception.
Burrow completed 21 of his 34 passes for LSU and found Justin Jefferson for two of his touchdowns, while Derrick Dillon and Ja'Marr Chase also caught scoring passes. Those late scores helped Burrow overcome a 93-yard interception returned for a touchdown by Brandon Moore in the first quarter, which gave UCF a 14-3 advantage. Burrow was also blindsided by a hard block on that return, but did not miss any playing time and still helped his team to victory.
Cole Tracy also played a major role for LSU, making three field goals, helping LSU extend a three-point hafltime lead by scoring 10 points in the third. He added two field goals in the final 15 minutes, and finishes with 97 career made field goals. That breaks the NCAA all-division record, and helps LSU record their first 10-win season since 2013.
