UCF Picks up C-USA Win Against Memphis

By: Neil Tredray

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida picked up a much-needed win against Conference USA opponent Memphis Saturday night at Bright House Networks Stadium.

The Knights (3-2, 1-2 C-USA) scored two touchdowns and a field goal in the fourth quarter to top the Tigers (1-4, 0-2 C-USA) 32-14 in front of an announced crowd of 40,408.

"It was a much better effort from last week to this week," said UCF head coach George O'Leary. "Overall, we kind of got off to a slow start, but our guys adjusted well at half time. And it showed pretty well when we came out in the second half."Sophomore Brynn Harvey had a career afternoon, rushing 42 times for 228 yards and a 25-yard touchdown on fourth and five in the final quarter of play to put the game out of reach for the Tigers.

"I think he probably played a little too much, but I feel he has to be able to do that for us. Being able to carry the ball 40 times is something we do not see coming, but we expect him to be able to do that," O'Leary said.

Junior running back Ricky Kay caught four passes in the game, his first of the season, for 52 yards, including a touchdown in the third quarter.
"It was nice to get an opportunity, to get a chance, and I just went with it. It felt great," Kay said.

Redshirt junior defensive end Bruce Miller had 2.5 sacks on the afternoon.

UCF's 4th quarter bonanza got started on their second possession. Fifth-year senior Brett Hodges threw a pass to redshirt freshman Billy Giovanetti, who fumbled the ball near the sideline when tackled.

The play was initially ruled a turnover, however after a lengthy review it was ruled that the ball had gone out of bounds at UCF's 19 yard line.

"They can take as long as they want as long as they get the call right," O'Leary said.

Harvey and Hodges marched the offense down the field to the Memphis 22. Hodges then fired a pass to receiver Jamar Newsome for 22 yards and six points. The extra point made the score 22-14 with 7:18 left to play.

Memphis' next drive ended in just 17 seconds. Quarterback Will Hudgens tested the Knights' deep coverage and paid the price. Junior cornerback Josh Robinson intercepted Hudgens' pass at the UCF 9 and returned it 33 yards.

Harvey then rushed for a total of 49 yards on the next possession and Cattoi kicked a 26-yard field goal which bounced off the uprights to increase UCF's lead to 11.

Cattoi scored three other field goals from 24, 46, and 42 yards and was the only Knight to score until Kay's 7 yard touchdown reception with three seconds left in the third quarter.

Hodges completed 16 of 28 attempts for 214 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

UCF's offense totaled 475 yards on 78 plays.

The Knights have a week off to prepare for their next game, a home contest against the Miami Hurricanes, who are ranked 11th nationally.