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2017 UCF Knights football

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2017 UCF Knights football
2017 UCF Knights football
University of Central Florida · Public domain · source
TeamUCF Knights
Year2017
ConferenceAmerican Athletic Conference
DivisionEast Division
Short confThe American
Record13–0
Conf record8–0
Head coachScott Frost
OcTroy Walters
DcErik Chinander
StadiumSpectrum Stadium
BowlPeach Bowl
Bowl resultW 34–27 vs. Auburn
ChampionThe American East Division champion
ChampionThe American champion

2017 UCF Knights football The 2017 UCF Knights football team completed a perfect 13–0 season, culminating in a victory over the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl. Under the leadership of head coach Scott Frost, the Knights claimed the American Athletic Conference championship and ignited a national debate about their exclusion from the College Football Playoff. The season is widely regarded as the greatest in program history, establishing UCF as a national power.

Season overview

The season began with the cancellation of the opening game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets due to Hurricane Irma, which significantly impacted the Orlando area. Under second-year coach Scott Frost, the team adopted a high-tempo, innovative offensive scheme that overwhelmed opponents. Key victories included a dramatic win over the Memphis Tigers in the AAC Championship Game and the historic Peach Bowl triumph over Auburn, which had defeated both Alabama and Georgia during the regular season. Following the perfect season, the university controversially declared itself national champions, a claim recognized by Colley Matrix and the Florida House of Representatives.

Schedule

The Knights' schedule featured eight conference games within the American Athletic Conference and four non-conference opponents. The canceled game against Georgia Tech was the only blemish on the original slate. Notable road victories included wins at Navy and South Florida. The regular season concluded with the War on I-4 rivalry game against USF Bulls, followed by the AAC Championship against Memphis at Spectrum Stadium. The team accepted an invitation to the Peach Bowl, a New Year's Six bowl game, as the highest-ranked champion from a Group of Five conference.

Roster

The roster was led by sophomore quarterback McKenzie Milton, who became a Heisman Trophy candidate. The offense featured standout wide receivers Tre'Quan Smith and Gabe Davis, along with running back Adrian Killins Jr.. The offensive line was anchored by center Jordan Johnson. Defensive leaders included linebacker Shaquem Griffin, the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and defensive back Mike Hughes, who also excelled as a return specialist. Key transfers like defensive tackle Jamiyus Pittman and linebacker Pat Jasinski provided crucial experience. The roster's depth and speed were fundamental to executing Coach Scott Frost's system.

Coaching staff

Head coach Scott Frost oversaw a transformative staff in his second year. Offensive coordinator Troy Walters won the Broyles Award as the nation's top assistant, orchestrating a record-breaking offense. Defensive coordinator Erik Chinander implemented an aggressive 3-4 scheme. Other key assistants included quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco, offensive line coach Greg Austin, and defensive line coach Mike Dawson. The entire staff was known for its innovative approach and player development, which culminated in Frost being named the Home Depot Coach of the Year before departing to become the head coach at the University of Nebraska.

Game summaries

The season opened with a dominant 61–17 win over FIU. A key early conference victory came against Memphis in a 40–13 rout. A 31–21 road win over Navy established conference supremacy. The regular-season finale was a 49–42 shootout victory over rival USF to claim the AAC East Division. In a rematch, the Knights defeated Memphis 62–55 in double overtime in the AAC Championship Game. The season culminated in the Peach Bowl, where UCF defeated Auburn 34–27, with quarterback McKenzie Milton earning MVP honors.

Statistical leaders

Quarterback McKenzie Milton led the nation in passer rating, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 37 touchdowns. Running back Adrian Killins Jr. averaged over 10 yards per carry, while wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith had over 1,100 receiving yards. Defensively, linebacker Shaquem Griffin led the team with 13.5 tackles for loss and 7 sacks, despite having only one hand. Defensive back Mike Hughes scored touchdowns on a kickoff return, punt return, and interception return. The offense set numerous American Athletic Conference and school records, including points per game, which led the FBS.

Awards and honors

Head coach Scott Frost was named the Home Depot Coach of the Year and American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. Linebacker Shaquem Griffin won the American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year award and was a finalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. Quarterback McKenzie Milton was the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year and finished eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. Offensive coordinator Troy Walters won the Broyles Award. Multiple players, including Griffin, Milton, and Tre'Quan Smith, earned All-American and all-conference honors. The team finished ranked #6 in both the AP Poll and Coaches Poll.

Category:UCF Knights football seasons