College Sports

UCF dominates South Florida 34-7

Posted November 30, 2019 6:00 am

By PATRICK SOUTHERN

Central Florida running back Adrian Killins Jr. (9) breaks into the open field during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against South Florida, Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - Dillon Gabriel threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, Adrian Killins rushed for 115 yards and a touchdown, and UCF concluded its regular season with a 34-7 win over South Florida in the War on I-4 on Friday night.

The Knights (9-3, 6-2) were never seriously tested, as they built a 24-0 lead by halftime with a 35-yard touchdown run from Killins and a 32-yard scoring reception from Gabriel Davis. They erased any lingering doubt as to the outcome when they drove 82 yards for another touchdown immediately after USF finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter.

'œI was just running with a chip on my shoulder out there,'ť said Killins, a senior. 'œThis was my last game in the Bounce House, my last time playing with my brothers on my left and right. It was a great feeling going out there and competing.'ť

UCF gained 495 yards to the Bulls' 181 through the first three quarters. The disparity narrowed to 539-250 after a fourth quarter in which the final margin was all that was left to be determined. The Bulls committed three turnovers, while the hosts committed none.

'œI thought our defense was suffocating the entire night,'ť Knights coach Josh Heupel said. 'œOur defensive line changed the line of scrimmage.'ť

For USF (4-8, 2-6), Jordan McCloud completed 9 of 21 passes for 116 yards and two interceptions. Johnny Ford added 58 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries.

THE TAKEAWAY

UCF: The Knights' ascendancy as a program has coincided with a marked shift in results in the War on I-4 rivalry. While USF leads the overall series 6-5, UCF won for the fifth time in the seven meetings between the schools since the Knights became members of the American Athletic Conference.

USF: The Bulls seemed out of sorts at times, committing four false start penalties in the first quarter alone. USF concluded 2019 with five losses in its final six games, falling to 4-14 since starting the 2018 season 7-0. As a result, coach Charlie Strong's job may be in jeopardy.

Strong referred to the season as 'œvery disappointing, very frustrating'ť after Friday's loss. Asked directly if he expected to return next season, Strong said he had 'œno idea.'ť

'œI know this,'ť Strong said, 'œI know how to win.'ť

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Tempers flared between the Sunshine State rivals on a few different occasions, both before and during the game. The most noteworthy incident came with 50 seconds remaining in the second quarter, when Killins was taken to the turf a few seconds after USF's Antonio Grier had stopped his progress.

Killins grabbed the facemask of USF's Nick Roberts as he went down, and a scuffle ensued. Killins was penalized for his actions, and after an extended delay while officials discussed the incident, multiple players from both teams drew offsetting unsportsmanlike conduct flags.

'œIt's emotional, the rivalry, right?'ť Heupel said. 'œThe focus from the fans, our kids can sense and feel that energy. They know this is talked about 365 days a year. They know there's a trophy that, this year, will be inside our building. And they know these guys on the other side of the line of scrimmage. They grew up playing against a lot of these guys. So, it's an emotional game. It has been chippy in the past, and it got chippy tonight too.'ť

UP NEXT

UCF: Awaits the announcement of its destination and opponent for the program's 11th bowl game appearance. The Knights have earned a bowl bid in seven of their last eight seasons.

USF: Awaits the start of spring practice, as its season ended with Friday's loss.

___

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South Florida quarterback Jordan McCloud (12) launches a long pass over South Florida defensive lineman Stephon Zayas (96) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

South Florida wide receiver Kelley Joiner Jr. (10) catches a long pass in front of Central Florida defensive lineman Tre'Mon Morris-Brash (30) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

The face of official Bill Lamkin is seen at the bottom of a pile of fighting Central Florida and South Florida players during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

Central Florida quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) throws a short pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against South Florida, Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

Central Florida running back Adrian Killins Jr. (9) races into the end zone for a touchdown in front of South Florida defensive back Devin Studstill (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

Central Florida wide receiver Eddie McDoom (13) catches a touchdown pass in front of South Florida defensive back Mekhi LaPointe (22) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 29, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Willie J. Allen Jr.) The Associated Press

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