By: Adrian Beecher
Orlando, FL- UCF (6-1, 3-0 AAC) had UCONN (0-7,0-3 AAC) on their heels from the jump as they cruised to a 62-17 win.
Coming of last weeks big win against Louisville Bortles and the UCF offense didn’t lose a step, getting off to a lightning fast start. Bortles connected on 8 of 9 passes with four different receivers for a total of 102 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter. "We talked about continuing (energy from Louisville game) and having no lapses, and we did that today," Bortles said. “We have to come out here every week like it’s a championship game."
The Knights Defense played lights out in the first half allowing the Huskies to only 90 total offensive yards. They finished the day allowing 230 total yards of offense.
UCONN Freshman QB Tim Boyle made just his second career start and this one he’ll want to forget. In first half action Boyle went just 5 of 18 for only 28 passing yards and threw two interceptions. He missed his receiver’s multiple times, throwing arrant passes on nearly every drive in the first half.
UCF controlled the time of possession in the first half an overwhelming 19:14 to UCONN’s 10:46 on their way to a statement 45-10 halftime lead.
Bortle’s would only come back in the 2nd half for UCF’s first drive, which only lasted 2 plays. After Storm Johnson made a 5-yard run, Bortles connected with J.J. Worton who broke two tackles on the sideline and went 61 yards for the score putting the Knights up 52-10.
"We were definitely in sync as a unit today. We moved the ball well down the field and had some positive outcomes.” said Bortle’s of the offense. Bortle’s ended the day completing 20 of 24 pass attempts for 285 yards and 4 passing touchdowns.
The Knights enter their second bye week of the season before facing off against Houston (6-1, 3-0 AAC) on November 9th at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando FL. Houston is currently second in the American Conference standings behind only UCF. They are set to face South Florida on Thursday October 31st at 7:00 PM (ET) on ESPN at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Early projections have both Houston and UCF potentially being ranked in the November 9th matchup.
“We have to treat every game like a championship game, today was one, and we have five left.” Said Coach George O’Leary of UCF’s remaining game.