UCF vs. Memphis championship game matchup: 6 things to know

Spectrum Stadium at University of Central Florida (Photo: Mark Lehman/WKMG)

ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Central Florida football team faces off Saturday against the Memphis Tigers for the American Athletic Conference Championship Game.

Here's everything you need to know before the 3:30 p.m. kickoff.

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Same matchup, different year

UCF is aiming for its second consecutive American Athletic Conference championship this Saturday when the Knights host Memphis in a rematch of the 2017 AAC title tilt. UCF won last year's championship with a thrilling 62-55 triumph in double overtime.

Luau look for Bounce House

Spectrum Stadium will look like a Hawaiian luau on Saturday.  The school plans to pass out 40,000 leis to fans in honor of starting quarterback McKenzie Milton.  The Hawaii native suffered a gruesome dislocated knee during last Friday's War on I-4 victory against USF in Tampa.  Milton is still recuperating in a Tampa hospital and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Darriel Mack. 

We meet again, and again

Saturday's matchup will mark the fourth time the two teams have squared off since 2017.  UCF won the previous three, including a come-from-behind 31-30 win at Memphis in October.  

Undefeated Knights

A win Saturday would continue UCF's streak of perfection.  A victory over the Tigers would extend the Knights' winning streak to 25 games -- the best in the country. 

Running game to watch

As they proved in last year's championship game and in the 2018 regular season meeting in October, the Tigers are no pushover.  Memphis features a lethal running game, led by Darrell Henderson and his 1,699 yards this season. 

All eyes on Mack

This will be the second career start under center for the aforementioned Mack. The UCF quarterback started the Knights' 37-10 win at East Carolina in October.  For the season, the red shirt freshman has completed 21 of 43 passes for 174 yards, and has rushed 40 times for 281 yards and a pair of touchdowns.  
 


About the Author:

Ryan Welch joined the News 6 Team as a sports anchor and reporter in July 2017. After nearly 15 years in the industry, Ryan gladly brings his passion for sports to Central Florida.

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