ORLANDO, Fla. – Weeks ago at Media Day, George O'Leary stated that this year's group of playmakers made up the most explosive offense he's ever had at UCF.
The Akron defense did nothing Thursday night to prove the Knights' head coach wrong.
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UCF stormed out to a 14-0 first quarter lead and rolled to a 38-7 win.
Junior quarterback Blake Bortles showed veteran poise, throwing for 3 touchdowns and 314 yards in only 3 quarters of work. The first touchdown was a 91-yard, tone-setting connection to Breshad Perriman 58 seconds into the game.
"That play came from upstairs," revealed O'Leary.
He added, jokingly, "I should take credit for the play."
Tailback Storm Johnson rushed for 99 yards and 2 touchdowns while UCF defense and special teams forced 2 Akron turnovers and held the Zips to only 250 yards of total offense.
The Knights (1-0) return to action Friday, Sept. 6 at FIU.