UCF vs. SMU: 6 things to know

Knights own nation's longest winning streak

UCF's McKenzie Milton.

ORLANDO, Fla. – UCF, ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 Poll, takes on SMU this Saturday in Orlando.

Here's what you need to know about the game.

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  • A victory Saturday night at Spectrum Stadium would be the Knights' 18th win in a row and would extend the longest current winning streak in the nation. UCF has won four straight against the Mustangs, including a 31-24 triumph last year in Dallas.
  • The 2017 matchup was as close as the 31-24 final score indicates. Quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 412 yards and a touchdown, but also threw a pair of interceptions and had his lowest completion percentage of any regular season game in 2017.
  • Saturday's tilt will be UCF's fourth consecutive home game. Following a season-opening 56-17 win at UConn, the Knights have beaten South Carolina State, Florida Atlantic and Pittsburgh by an average of nearly 30 points.  
  • UCF's offense continues its torrid pace, racking up an average of more than 580 yards and nearly 49 points per game. That does not bode well for a SMU team that has struggled defensively, yielding 38 points per game through its first five contests.  
  • A major key for UCF's offensive prowess is success on 3rd down. The Knights lead the country in 3rd-down efficiency, converting on 31 of 50 opportunities this season.
  • Not to be outdone is UCF's defense. The Knights held ACC foe Pitt to a pedestrian 109 rushing yards last week and one offensive touchdown in the 45-14 win. Through five games, the Knights have given up an average of less than 17 points a game.

[MORE: Best Orlando sports bars to watch UCF games]

Kickoff is Saturday at 7 p.m. The game will air on ESPNU.


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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