The ninth-ranked UCF Knights have been fighting to prove that they belong in the College Football Playoffs, despite a lighter schedule than the rest, but they took a major blow on Friday night that might haunt them in that conversation. It was not a loss in the game, but a loss of quarterback, as McKenzie Milton was carted off with a serious leg injury. The incident occurred in the third quarter, when Milton kept the ball for a run, but was hit low by a South Florida defender. His leg could be seen bent in a way that it's not suppose to be, and he did not return.
Despite the major loss, the Knights went on to defeat the South Florida Bulls, 38-10, on the road. Greg McCrae took over on the ground with 181 yards and three touchdowns, including two after Milton went down for good. The win extends the Knights' win streak to 24 games, dating back to last season, as they improved to a perfect 11-0 this season, including 8-0 in conference play.
Before exiting, Milton was just 5-of-10 throwing for 86 yards with a touchdown and interception on the day. Dariel Mack Jr. took over for Milton under center, and will most likely make his second-career start next week. Milton finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting a season ago, but his team did not make the playoffs, despite going undefeated. They were very outspoken about wanting to face Alabama, and some experts saw that happening this year if certain things went their way before the end of the regular season.
Milton was taken to a nearby hospital after exiting the game. His lone touchdown pass was a 14-yard score to Gabriel Davis in the first quarter. Despite the major loss, the Knights have scored at least 30 points in 24 consecutive games, as McCrae's touchdown runs were for 49, 39, and 31 yards. Their scoring streak is tied for the longest such streak since 1939 with South Florida, who has dropped their final three games of the season for their longest such skid since 2013.
The Knights will have to move on without their starting quarterback, as they get ready to battle Memphis in the AAC Championship Game next week.
Despite the major loss, the Knights went on to defeat the South Florida Bulls, 38-10, on the road. Greg McCrae took over on the ground with 181 yards and three touchdowns, including two after Milton went down for good. The win extends the Knights' win streak to 24 games, dating back to last season, as they improved to a perfect 11-0 this season, including 8-0 in conference play.
Before exiting, Milton was just 5-of-10 throwing for 86 yards with a touchdown and interception on the day. Dariel Mack Jr. took over for Milton under center, and will most likely make his second-career start next week. Milton finished eighth in the Heisman Trophy balloting a season ago, but his team did not make the playoffs, despite going undefeated. They were very outspoken about wanting to face Alabama, and some experts saw that happening this year if certain things went their way before the end of the regular season.
Milton was taken to a nearby hospital after exiting the game. His lone touchdown pass was a 14-yard score to Gabriel Davis in the first quarter. Despite the major loss, the Knights have scored at least 30 points in 24 consecutive games, as McCrae's touchdown runs were for 49, 39, and 31 yards. Their scoring streak is tied for the longest such streak since 1939 with South Florida, who has dropped their final three games of the season for their longest such skid since 2013.
The Knights will have to move on without their starting quarterback, as they get ready to battle Memphis in the AAC Championship Game next week.
