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Five most memorable UCF games at the Bounce House
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- Five most memorable UCF games at the Bounce House
(Ryan Pelham/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
Acrisure Bounce House Stadium has hosted many memorable UCF moments over its 20 years. Here are our top five:
UCF 49, USF 42 (Nov. 24, 2017):UCF quickly took charge, jumping out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter before the Bulls mounted a rally, narrowing the gap to 21-20 at halftime. USF scored consecutive touchdowns at the end of the third quarter, taking the lead 34-28. But the Knights responded, regaining control of the game at 42-34 with just 2:21 remaining in the fourth quarter. USF quarterback Quinton Flowers connected with receiver Darnell Salomon on an 83-yard touchdown, adding a two-point conversion, tying the game at 42 with 1:41 left. On the following kickoff, Mike Hughes dashed 95 yards untouched, sealing a dramatic 49-42 victory for UCF.
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UCF 62, Memphis 55 (2OT) (Dec. 2, 2017):UCF hosted its first American Athletic Conference Championship Game, welcoming Memphis back to the Bounce House. This marked the second matchup between the two schools that season, with the Knights previously clinching a decisive 40-13 win on Sept. 30. This time around, the teams combined for a record 117 points and 1,479 total yards. Tre Neal's interception in the second overtime sealed the win for the Knights. Quarterback McKenzie Milton threw five touchdown passes and rushed for another in the win. UCF earned its spot as the Group of Five representative in the College Football Playoff, setting up a showdown with Auburn in the Peach Bowl.
UCF 56, Memphis 41 (Dec. 1, 2018):Backup quarterback D.J. Mack made his first start of the season after stepping in for Milton, who suffered a devastating knee injury the week prior against USF. Despite a shaky beginning marked by two early fumbles, Mack recovered to score six total touchdowns, with four of those coming in the second half. Running back Greg McRae rushed for 206 yards with a touchdown, helping the Knights secure their second consecutive AAC title and earn another trip to a New Year's Six access bowl game in the Fiesta Bowl against LSU.
Texas 35, UCF 32 (Sept. 15, 2007):What better way to kick off the new on-campus stadium at UCF than with a showdown against the storied Texas Longhorns? Sixth-ranked Texas jumped out to a 10-7 lead by the end of the first quarter, extending it to 20-10 by halftime. However, consecutive touchdowns in the third and fourth quarters helped UCF take the lead 24-23. Texas rallied by scoring 12 unanswered points to pull ahead, 35-24 with just 3:37 left. UCF scored 8 points in the final 35 seconds, closing the gap but ultimately falling short.
UCF 45, Oklahoma State 3 (Nov. 11, 2023):UCF's inaugural season in the Big 12 was somewhat forgettable, as the Knights suffered five consecutive losses in league play, including tough defeats against Baylor (36-35) and Oklahoma (31-29). Nevertheless, players regard one particular game as a standout moment of the season. The Knights delivered their best performance of the season, jumping out to a 24-0 halftime lead before cruising to an impressive 45-3 win. Running back RJ Harvey outshined early Heisman Trophy contender Ollie Gordon II with 206 yards and three touchdowns compared to Gordon's mere 25 yards. Oklahoma State quarterback Alex Bowman struggled, throwing three interceptions — two to Demari Henderson and one to Braeden Marshall.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com . Sign up for the Sentinel's Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
