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| def_coach = [[Erik Chinander]]
| dc_year = 2nd
| stadium = [[Spectrum Stadium]]
| champion = <!--Please don't remove. The inclusion of UCF's national championship claim was decided by multiple editors after several weeks of discussion. The nature of the claim is explained and sourced in the body of this article. See talk page if you want to reopen discussion on this.-->National champion ([[Colley Matrix|Colley]])<!--Please don't remove. The inclusion of UCF's national championship claim was decided by multiple editors after several weeks of discussion. The nature of the claim is explained and sourced in the body of this article. See talk page if you want to reopen discussion on this.--><br />American Athletic Conference champion<br />AAC East Division champion<br />Peach Bowl champion
| conf_champ = [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game|American Athletic Championship Game]]
| conf_champ_result = <br />W 62–55 <sup>2OT</sup> vs. [[2017 Memphis Tigers football team|Memphis]]
| bowl = [[2018 Peach Bowl (January)|Peach Bowl]]
| bowl_result = W 34–27 vs. [[2017 Auburn Tigers football team|Auburn]]
Line 34:
The Knights finished the regular season 12–0, the football program's first ever undefeated regular season and second 12-win season, and won the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game|2017 American Conference Championship]]. The Knights season culminated in a [[2018 Peach Bowl (January)|2018 Peach Bowl]] win over Auburn. The effort came just two years after an 0–12 winless season ([[2015 UCF Knights football team|2015]]). UCF became the first team in the history of [[NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision|NCAA Division I FBS]] to improve from a winless regular season to an undefeated regular season in only two years.<ref name="ABCNews-11242017">{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/12-ucf-caps-perfect-regular-season-win-usf-51369919|title=Winless to unbeaten: No. 12 UCF beats USF to cap turnaround|work=ABC News|first=Joe|last=Reedy|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041120/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/12-ucf-caps-perfect-regular-season-win-usf-51369919|archive-date=December 1, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
Despite being the only undefeated team in FBS, UCF did not receive a spot in the [[College Football Playoff]]. Frost criticized the College Football Playoff committee, saying that the Knights "deserve[d] more credit from the committee than what they got." Frost believed that the committee deliberately ranked the Knights low enough on a weekly basis that they had no realistic chance of finishing in the top four.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schad|first1=Tom|title=Scott Frost: Committee seemed to make 'conscious effort' to keep UCF low in Playoff rankings|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/aac/2018/01/01/scott-frost-ucf-knights-college-football-playoff-rankings/994806001/|work=USA TODAY|date=January 1, 2018|language=en}}</ref> The Knights proclaimed themselves [[College football national championships in NCAA Division I FBS|national champions]] at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news|url=
==Preseason==
===Spring game===▼
The 2017 UCF Spring game was held Saturday April 22 at the [[
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"▼
! Date !! Time !! Spring Game !! Site !! Result !! Attendance▼
|-▼
| April 22 || 6:30{{nbsp}}pm|| Team UCFierce vs. Team UCFast || [[
|}▼
==Personnel==
{| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;"
|-
Line 47 ⟶ 54:
'''Quarterback'''
* 8 Darriel Mack Jr. – ''
* 10 [[McKenzie Milton]] – ''
* 13 Hayden Kingston – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 16 Noah Vedral – ''
* 19 Sean Pratt – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
'''Running back'''
* 1 Jawon Hamilton – ''
* 9 [[Adrian Killins]] – ''
* 12 [[Taj McGowan]] – ''
* 24 Bentavious Thompson – ''
* 29 Cordarrian Richardson – ''
* 30 [[Greg McCrae]] – ''
* 33 Cedric Jordan-Williams – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
'''Wide receiver'''
* 3 Jaquarius Bargnare – ''
* 4 [[Tre'Quan Smith]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 5 Dredrick Snelson – ''
* 6 Tristan Payton – ''
* 7 Emmanuel Logan-Greene – ''
* 11 Cam Stewart – ''
* 13 [[Gabe Davis]] – ''
* 17 [[Marlon Williams (American football)|Marlon Williams]] – ''
* 21 Dontay Mayfield – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 26 [[Otis Anderson Jr.]] – ''
* 28 Trace Ryan – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 36 Kyle Benkel – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 38 Zach Lehman – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 39 Josh Maisel – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 80 Case Harrison – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 81 Alex Harris – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 82 Kenyon Johnson – ''
* 83 Elijah Spann – ''
* 84 Trey Anderson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 85 Tristan Reaves – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 87 [[Jacob Harris (American football)|Jacob Harris]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
'''Kicker'''
* 39 Dylan Barnas – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
'''Placekicker'''
* 11 [[Matthew Wright (American football)|Matthew Wright]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 35 Jared Hollander – ''
* 84 Nader Golshahr – ''
* 92 Jack Vold – ''
'''Punter'''
* 48 Mac Loudermilk – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
|width="25"|
|valign="top"|
'''Tight end'''
* 15 [[Jordan Franks]] – ''
* 42 Tyler Williams – ''
* 45 Chris Larsen – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 83 Jake Hescock – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 86 Michael Colubiale – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 88 [[Jordan Akins]] – ''
* 89 Anthony Roberson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 92 Austin Camden – ''
'''Offensive lineman'''
* 52 Brandon Godinez – ''
* 53 Tyler Hudanick – ''
* 61 [[Parker Boudreaux]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 62 Caleb Enot – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 63 Jared Thomas – ''
* 64 Kyle Back – ''
* 65 [[Cole Schneider (American football)|Cole Schneider]] – ''
* 66 Aaron Evans – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 68 Charles Sprenkel – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 70 Luke Palmer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 71 Jonathan Horvath – ''
* 72 Jordan Johnson – ''
* 73 Samuel Jackson – ''
* 74 Boman Swanson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshamn (6'5, 306)''
* 75 Tate Hernly – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 76 Julio Castillo – ''
* 77 Jake Brown – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 78 [[Wyatt Miller]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 79 Chavis Dickey – ''
'''Defensive lineman'''
* 5 [[Jamiyus Pittman]] – ''
* 9 [[Trysten Hill]] – ''
* 43 Aaron Cochran – ''
* 49 Seyvon Lowry – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 54 A.J. Wooten – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 59 Gary Demarest – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 90 Josh Odigie – ''
* 91 Joey Connors – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 93 Tony Guerad – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 94 Anthony Montalvo – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 95 Jeremiah Zio – ''
* 97 Mason Cholewa – ''
* 98 Brendon Hayes – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 99 Canton Kaumatule – ''
|width="25"|
|valign="top"|
'''Inside linebacker'''
* 2 Chequan Burkett – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 17 Sterling Jones – ''
* 22 [[Kalia Davis]] – ''
* 24 Gabriel Luyanda – ''
* 40 Christian Lezzer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 41 T.J. Pitts – ''
* 42 John Tauber – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 44 Nate Evans – ''
* 50 Wyatt Swanson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 51 Darious East – ''
* 52 Mark Messeguer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 56 Pat Jasinski – ''
* 57 Tye Farmer – ''
* 69 Steven Moss – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshamn (5'11, 216)''
'''Outside linebacker'''
* 10 Titus Davis – ''
* 28 Shawn Burgess-Becker – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 35 Dedrion Bacote – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 45 Lyston Barber – ''
* 55 Eric
* 58 Connor Kaminski – ''
* 96 Stephon Zayas – ''
'''Linebacker'''
* 18 [[Shaquem Griffin]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 33 Monterious Loggins – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 63 Randy Shannon Jr. – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
'''Defensive back'''
* 3 Antwan Collier – ''
* 8 Zamari Maxwell – ''
* 13 Bryon Brown – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 14 [[Nevelle Clarke]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 19 [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]] – ''
* 20 Brandon Moore – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 21 Rashard Causey – ''
* 23 Tre Neal – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 25 Kyle Gibson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 27 [[Richie Grant (American football)|Richie Grant]] – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 29 Keenan Johnson – ''
* 30 Alex Swenson – ''
* 34 Jon Powell – ''
* 36 Josh Kelly – ''
* 37 [[Aaron Robinson (American football)|Aaron Robinson]] – ''
* 38 Rod Sylvestre – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 46 Chris Johnson – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 47 Jonathan Gebka – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]] Freshamn (6'1, 177)''
'''Long snappers'''
* 31 Luke Ebbesmeyer – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 32 [[Alex Ward (American football)|Alex Ward]] – ''
* 47 Caleb Perez – ''[[File:Redshirt.svg|10px|Redshirt]]
* 67 Dillon Manning – ''
* 82 Rory Coleman – ''
|-
Line 217 ⟶ 224:
| style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |
'''Head coaches'''
* Head coach – [[Scott Frost]]
* Assoc. HC/LBs/special teams: [[Jovan Dewitt]]
'''Offensive coaches'''
* Offensive coordinator/WR: [[Troy Walters]]
* Offensive line: [[Greg Austin (American football)|Greg Austin]]
* Running backs: [[Ryan Held (American football)|Ryan Held]]
* Quarterbacks: [[Mario Verduzco]]
* TEs/recruiting coordinator: Sean Beckton
* Offensive Analyst: Frank Verducci
* Offensive Graduate Assistant: Dustin Haines
* Offensive Graduate Assistant: [[Drew Davis (American football)|Drew Davis]]
'''Defensive coaches'''
* Defensive coordinator: [[Erik Chinander]]
* Defensive Line: Mike Dawson
* Defensive Backs: [[Travis Fisher]]
* Defensive Graduate Assistant: Jack Cooper
| width = "35"|
Line 247 ⟶ 254:
'''Administrative staff'''
* Athletic Director (A.D.) – [[Danny White (athletic director)|Danny White]]
* Chief of Staff/Dir. of Ops: Gerrod Lambrecht
* Asst. Director of Ops: Trent Mossbrucker
* Dir. of player development: Horace Raymond
* Dir. of player personnel: Sean Dillon
* Ast. Dir. of player personnel: Ryan Callaghan
* Dir. of high school relations: Mike Cassano
* Quality Control Administrator: [[Barrett Ruud]]
* Quality Control Administrator: Zach Crespo
* Dir. of Sports Performance: Zach Duval
* Senior Administrative Assistant: Megan Taylor
* Director of Equipment Operations: Rich Worner
|}
▲===Spring game===
▲The 2017 UCF Spring game was held Saturday April 22 at [[Spectrum Stadium]]. The team was split into two squads. Team UCFast consisted mostly of the first team offense and defense, and UCFierce was made up of second team players.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/4/19/football-set-for-spring-game.aspx?path=football|title=Knights Set for Saturday's Spring Game|website=UCF Athletics|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055324/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/4/19/football-set-for-spring-game.aspx?path=football|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-spring-game-0423-story.html|title=UCF QB McKenzie Milton shows improvement during spring game|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Shannon|last=Green|date=April 22, 2017|access-date=October 30, 2017}}</ref>
▲{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
▲! Date !! Time !! Spring Game !! Site !! Result !! Attendance
▲|-
▲| April 22 || 6:30{{nbsp}}pm|| Team UCFierce vs. Team UCFast || [[Spectrum Stadium]] • [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando, FL]] || '''Team UCFierce''' 35–28 || {{center|9,792}}
▲|}
{{CFB Team Depth Chart
| OScheme = Single Set Back
Line 278 ⟶ 275:
| QB_Starter = [[McKenzie Milton]]
| QB_Backup = Noah Vedral
| QB_Third =
| RB1_Starter = [[Adrian Killins]]
| RB1_Backup = [[Otis Anderson Jr.]] <br> [[Taj McGowan]]
Line 284 ⟶ 281:
| WR1_Starter = [[Tre'Quan Smith]]
| WR1_Backup = Cam Stewart
| WR2_Starter = Dredrick Snelson
| WR2_Backup = Otis Anderson Jr.
| WR3_Starter = [[Gabe Davis]]
Line 309 ⟶ 306:
| RILB_SchoolName = INSDIE
| LILB_Starter = Pat Jasinski
| LILB_Backup = Nate Evans
| LILB_SchoolName = INSDIE
| SLB_Starter = Titus Davis
| SLB_Backup = Eric Mitchell
| SLB_SchoolName = OUTSIDE
| FS_Starter = Tre Neal
| FS_Backup = Antwan Collier
| SS_Starter = Kyle Gibson
| SS_Backup = [[Richie Grant (American football)|Richie Grant]]
| DB1_Starter = Brandon Moore
| DB1_Backup = Rashad Causey
| DB1_Third =
| DB2_Starter = [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]]
| DB2_Backup = [[Nevelle
| RDE_Starter = Jamiyus Pittman
| RDE_Backup = Joey Connors
| NT_Starter = [[Trysten Hill]]
| NT_Backup = A.J Wooten
| NT_Third =
| LDE_Starter = Tony Guerad
| LDE_Backup = Seyvon Lowry
| PK_Starter = [[Matthew Wright (American football)|Matthew Wright]]
| P_Starter = Mac Loudermilk
| Kick_Returner = Mike Hughes
| Punt_Returner = Mike Hughes
| Long_Snapper =
| ColWidth = 110
| Autosize =
Line 359 ⟶ 356:
| w/l = w
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = [[2017 FIU Panthers football team|FIU]]
| site_stadium = [[Spectrum Stadium]]
Line 370 ⟶ 367:
| date = <s>September 16</s>
| time = <s>7:30 p.m.</s>
| w/l =
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = <s>[[2017 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team|Georgia Tech]]</s>
| site_stadium = <s>Spectrum Stadium</s>
Line 378 ⟶ 375:
| tv = <s>[[ESPNews]]</s>
| score = '''Cancelled'''{{efn|The Georgia Tech game was cancelled due to [[Hurricane Irma]].<ref name="Georgia Tech">{{cite press release|title=Following Irma, UCF – Georgia Tech Called Off|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/11/football-ucf-georgia-tech-called-off.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=November 24, 2017|date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911210214/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/11/football-ucf-georgia-tech-called-off.aspx|archive-date=September 11, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>}}
| attend =
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
Line 386 ⟶ 383:
| nonconf = y
| away = y
| rank =
| opponent = [[2017 Maryland Terrapins football team|Maryland]]
| site_stadium = [[Maryland Stadium]]
Line 398 ⟶ 395:
| time = 7:00 p.m.
| w/l = w
| rank =
| opponent = [[2017 Memphis Tigers football team|Memphis]]
| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium
Line 409 ⟶ 406:
| date = <s>September 30</s>
| time = <s>6:30 p.m.</s>
| w/l =
| nonconf = y
| rank =
| opponent = <s>[[2017 Maine Black Bears football team|Maine]]</s>
| site_stadium = <s>Spectrum Stadium</s>
Line 417 ⟶ 414:
| tv = <s>[[ESPN3]]</s>
| score = '''Cancelled'''{{efn|The Maine game was cancelled to make room for the conference match-up against Memphis, which was postponed due to [[Hurricane Irma]].<ref name="Memphis Rescheduled"/>}}
| attend =
}}
|{{CFB schedule entry
Line 426 ⟶ 423:
| rank = 25
| opponent = [[2017 Cincinnati Bearcats football team|Cincinnati]]
| gamename = [[Cincinnati–UCF football rivalry|rivalry]]
| site_stadium = [[Nippert Stadium]]
| site_cityst = [[Cincinnati|Cincinnati, OH]]
| tv = [[ESPNU College Football|ESPNU]]
| score = 51–23{{efn|name=Cincinnati|The Cincinnati game was delayed for lightning with four seconds left in the third quarter. After the delay lasted over an hour, the American Athletic Conference cancelled the rest of the game.<ref name="Cincinnati 1">{{cite news|title=No. 25 UCF routs Cincinnati 51–23 in rain-shortened game|url=
| attend = 27,253
}}
Line 439 ⟶ 437:
| rank = 22
| opponent = [[2017 East Carolina Pirates football team|East Carolina]]
| gamename =
| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium
| site_cityst = Orlando, FL
Line 493 ⟶ 491:
| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium
| site_cityst = Orlando, FL
| gamename = [[Civil Conflict]]
| tv = ESPNU
| score = 49–24
Line 516 ⟶ 515:
| rank = 15
| opponent = [[2017 South Florida Bulls football team|South Florida]]
| opprank =
| gamename = [[South Florida–UCF rivalry|War on I-4]]
| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium
Line 559 ⟶ 558:
==Season summary==
In just his second season as head coach, and just two years removed from the winless [[2015 UCF Knights football team|2015 campaign]],<ref>{{cite news|url=
The Knights opened their season with a lopsided victory against [[2017 FIU Panthers football team|FIU]];<ref>{{cite news|url=
Statistically, the Knights were the top scoring team in the nation (48.2 points per game),<ref>{{cite news|url=
The Knights finished the regular season 11–0,<ref name="espn-11-24-2017a"/> the program's first ever [[Perfect season|undefeated]] regular season. With the win, UCF would host the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game|AAC Championship game]].<ref name="espn-11-24-2017a"/> The school set an NCAA mark by becoming the first team to go from a [[List of winless seasons|winless]] regular season (2015) to an undefeated regular season in only two years.<ref name="ABCNews-11242017"/> The team set school records for most [[Winning streak (sports)|consecutive games won]], most points in a single game, and saw many players and coaches receive individual superlative awards.
Line 569 ⟶ 568:
In the latter weeks of the regular season, fueled by the team's success on the field, media reports began surfacing about the possibility of head coach [[Scott Frost]] departing UCF for another school.<ref name="espn-11-18-2017a"/><ref name="si-11-01-2017a">{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/11/01/scott-frost-florida-nebraska-kevin-sumlin |title=If Scott Frost Had His Pick of Power 5 Jobs, Where Would He Go?|work=Sports Illustrated|first=Andy|last=Staples|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref><ref name="sentinel-11-25-2017ilr">{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-scott-frost-nebraska-gators-20171125-story.html|title=UCF tries to hold onto Scott Frost as Nebraska job opens, Chip Kelly spurns UF|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Iliana|last=Limón Romero|date=November 25, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> Frost, the former national championship [[1997 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team|winning]] quarterback at [[Nebraska Cornhuskers football|Nebraska]], had expressed personal interest in the Cornhuskers head coaching job, and it incidentally became available in November.<ref name="sentinel-11-25-2017ilr"/> Frost was also rumored for some of the many higher-profile vacancies,<ref name="espn-11-18-2017a"/> including [[Florida Gators football|Florida]],<ref name="si-11-01-2017a"/> [[Tennessee Volunteers football|Tennessee]],<ref name="espn-11-18-2017a"/> and others. Nebraska athletic officials actively targeted Frost in their coaching search,<ref name="msn-11-25-2017a">{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/nebraska-ad-admits-scott-frost-is-a-target-in-coaching-search/ar-BBFD8Vn|title=Nebraska AD admits Scott Frost is a target in coaching search|publisher=msn.com|work=Larry Brown Sports|first=Grey|last=Papke|date=November 25, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}</ref> and after Frost shot down rumors of going to Florida,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wtsp.com/sports/source-frost-turns-down-gators-coaching-job-uf-now-looks-at-mullen/494722167|title=Source: Frost turns down Gators coaching job; UF now looks at Mullen|publisher=WTSP|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> it became clear Frost's future would be either at Nebraska, or continuing at UCF.
Despite the ongoing coaching rumors, UCF went on to win the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game|AAC Championship game]] in dramatic fashion. The game was a rematch against [[2017 Memphis Tigers football team|Memphis]], but this time the game was a shootout. The Knights prevailed 62–55 in double overtime.<ref name="espn-12-3-2017a">{{cite news|url=
A day after winning the AAC, head coach [[Scott Frost]] was formally introduced as the new head coach of [[Nebraska Cornhuskers football|Nebraska]], as had been widely speculated.<ref name="cbs-12-02-2017aa">{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ucfs-scott-frost-agrees-to-seven-year-deal-to-become-nebraskas-next-coach/|title=UCF's Scott Frost agrees to seven-year deal to become Nebraska's next coach|work=CBS Sports|first=Ben|last=Kercheval|date=December 2, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> UCF immediately named offensive coordinator [[Troy Walters]] as the interim head coach. Frost would be taking nearly his entire staff with him to Nebraska, potentially leaving UCF without a coaching staff for the bowl season. The newly introduced NCAA [[College recruiting|early signing period]] fueled Nebraska's urgency of hiring Frost, as school officials were anxious for Frost to begin recruiting immediately. Meanwhile, UCF named [[Josh Heupel]] their new head coach,<ref name="usatoday12-5-17">{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/12/05/ucf-tabs-josh-heupel-to-be-knights-next-football-coach/108334548/|title=UCF tabs Josh Heupel to be Knights' next football coach|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 5, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> but stopped short of committing Heupel to coaching in the bowl.<ref name="usatoday12-5-17"/> After several days of uncertainty,<ref name="AL12-07-17a">{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/12/scott_frost_trying_to_work_it.html|title=Scott Frost 'trying to work it out' to coach UCF in Peach Bowl against Auburn|publisher=AL.com|first=James|last=Crepea|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> and mild controversy,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/george-diaz-en-fuego/os-sp-scott-frost-peach-bowl-20171206-story.html|title=Commentary: Scott Frost coaching Peach Bowl an awkward look for UCF|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=George|last=Diaz|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> an agreement was reached such that Frost and his staff would return to UCF to coach the bowl game.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-ucf-peach-bowl-mike-bianchi-1213-story.html|title= Commentary: Hallelujah! Scott Frost is back where he belongs – coaching his UCF Knights in the Peach Bowl|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=December 12, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> Despite the difficulty of juggling two teams at once,<ref>{{cite news|url=
The Knights defeated the Auburn Tigers in the [[2018 Peach Bowl (January)|Peach Bowl]] 34–27, completing a perfect 13–0 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/01/01/milton-powers-no-10-ucf-to-34-27-peach-bowl-win-over-auburn/109082620/|title=Central Florida completes perfect season with defeat of Auburn in Peach Bowl|newspaper=USA Today|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> In the aftermath, UCF athletic director [[Danny White (athletic director)|Danny White]] created a stir when he publicly proclaimed UCF the national champions,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/01/01/ucf-football-undefeated-national-champions-danny-white|title=UCF Athletic Director Proclaims Knights National Champions After Win Over Auburn|work=Sports Illustrated|first=Dan|last=Gartland|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> despite the [[2018 College Football Playoff National Championship|CFP championship game]] still being one week away. Several other outlets followed suit, including the ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-peach-bowl-mike-bianchi-0102-story.html|title= Commentary: After Peach Bowl win over Auburn, UCF is the real national champion|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> [[WYGM]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-ucf-champions-block-party-mike-bianchi-0109-story.html|title= Commentary: Presenting UCF with national championship trophy is what sports journalism is all about|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> ''[[Prince George County, Virginia|Prince George]] Journal'',<ref name="prgj">{{cite news|url=http://www.theprincegeorgejournal.com/news/prince-george-journal-names-central-florida-knights-fbs-champs/|title=Prince George Journal names Central Florida Knights FBS Champs|publisher=The Prince George Journal|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> and the [[Colley Matrix]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/from-the-sports-editor/os-sp-ucf-national-champions-colley-matrix-0109-story.html|title=National champions: UCF Knights finish season ranked No. 1 in Colley Matrix|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Roger|last=Simmons|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> Other national media outlets debated the issue over the next several days. UCF received four first place votes in the final AP Poll, and placed 6th overall.<ref name="2017APPoll">{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/01/09/final-ap-poll-alabama-georgia-ucf|title=Alabama No. 1 in Final AP Poll; UCF Finishes 6th|work=Sports Illustrated|first=Scooby|last=Axson|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}</ref> The Knights were honored with a parade at [[Walt Disney World]], a block party in downtown Orlando at [[Church Street Station (Orlando)|Church Street Station]], and were presented with the [[Freedom of the City|Key to the City]] by Orlando Mayor [[Buddy Dyer]].<ref name="espn01092018">{{cite news|url=
Off the field, UCF's home stadium changed its name to [[Spectrum Stadium]], reflecting the acquisition of [[Bright House Networks]] by [[Charter Communications]], and subsequent re-branding as [[Spectrum (cable service)|Spectrum]].
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{{see also|2017 FIU Panthers football team}}
The Knights opened the season on Thursday night against FIU. It was the start of the second season for head coach [[Scott Frost]] at UCF, as well as the first game for FIU under head coach [[Butch Davis]]. The Knights routed the Panthers, as the offense racked up 587 yards, and quarterback [[McKenzie Milton]] threw for 360 yards and four touchdown passes (22 yards, 50 yards, 3 yards, 13 yards, respectively). There were four rushing touchdowns, including a 51-yard run by Napoleon Maxwell in the third quarter. The UCF defense forced three fumbles, an interception, a safety, and four 3-and-outs by the Panthers offense.
===At Maryland===
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{{see also|2017 Maryland Terrapins football team}}
After a 22-day layoff due to [[Hurricane Irma]], UCF was back on the field in Week 4. With the teams coming into the matchup ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in scoring (61 points for UCF and 57 points for Maryland) and having gone to double overtime in their meeting last year, the game was expected to be close. After a slow start for both teams, Maryland's backup quarterback, [[Kasim Hill]], was injured and taken off the field in the first quarter.<ref>{{cite news|title=Central Florida breezes past QB-depleted Maryland 38–10|url=
===Memphis===
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{{see also|2017 Memphis Tigers football team}}
After having their scheduled game on September 10 canceled due to [[Hurricane Irma]], the two schools arranged to reschedule their game for September 30. It was the conference opener for both teams. Both UCF and Memphis came into the matchup undefeated, with Memphis winning three previous games and UCF winning their two previous games. After a slow start to the game, the Knights ended up with 603 total yards and one turnover,<ref>{{cite news|title=Milton, Killins lead UCF to 40–13 win over Memphis|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/09/30/milton-killins-lead-ucf-to-40-13-win-over-memphis/106181488/|work=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> versus Memphis' 396 total yards and four turnovers.<ref>{{cite web|last=MacDougall|first=Ian|title=Mauling Memphis|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/30/football-mauling-memphis.aspx|date=September 30, 2017|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120542/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/30/football-mauling-memphis.aspx|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> UCF quarterback [[McKenzie Milton]] threw for 253 yards and three touchdown passes, while running back Adrian Killins Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns. Killins set a UCF record with a 96-yard touchdown run, the longest rushing touchdown in school history. After the game, UCF entered both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll at No. 25.
===At Cincinnati===
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{{see also|2017 Cincinnati Bearcats football team}}
UCF opened the game with two quick touchdowns, with both possessions totaling one minute and 32 seconds of game time, while holding Cincinnati to one touchdown in their first two possession. While the Knights defense let the Bearcats score more points than any of the Knights previous opponents, they also recorded one interception, a blocked [[Conversion (gridiron football)|PAT]] and allowed only 391 yards. Meanwhile, the Bearcats defense could not stop the Knights offense, which scored seven touchdowns and set up one field goal over the Knights' eight possessions. The game was stopped with four seconds left in the third quarter due to lightning in the area. Soon after the delay passed the one hour mark, the American Athletic Conference canceled the rest of the game.<ref name="Cincinnati 1"/><ref name="Cincinnati 2"/>
===East Carolina===
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{{see also|2017 East Carolina Pirates football team}}
Entering the game ranked number one in scoring offense in the nation while facing the worst scoring defense in the nation, the Knights were 33.5 point favorites.<ref>{{cite web|title=Recap: East Carolina 21, Central Florida 63|url=http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/scoreboard/recaps/[email protected]/date/10-14-17|website=VegasInsider.com|language=en|access-date=October 15, 2017}}</ref> The Knights ended up scoring nine touchdowns, including one interception returned for a touchdown and one punt return returned for a touchdown.<ref name="ECU-UCF Website">{{cite web|last1=MacDougall|first1=Ian|title=Homecoming High Note|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/14/football-homecoming-high-note.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=October 15, 2017|date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104183407/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/14/football-homecoming-high-note.aspx?path=football|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The 63 points the Knights scored were the most since [[2001 UCF Golden Knights football team|2001]],<ref>{{cite tweet |user=UCF_Football |number=919389978223837184 |date=October 14, 2017 |title=5–0 🚀 Most points since 2001 🙌 #UCFinSpace #UCFHC.|author=UCF Football}}</ref> when they beat [[Liberty Flames football|Liberty University]] 63–0. The Knights also put up 603 yards of offense, making it the first time since [[1998 UCF Golden Knights football team|1998]] that UCF has put up more than 500 yards of offense in three straight games.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hays|first1=Chris|title=No. 22 UCF keeps rolling, earns 63–21 win over East Carolina|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-east-carolina-football-1015-story.html|date=October 15, 2017|access-date=October 15, 2017|work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref> With the win, the Knights improved to 5–0 for the first time in program history since moving up to [[NCAA Division I|D-1]] football,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Terrance|title=Milton, No. 22 UCF roll past East Carolina, 63–21|url=
===At Navy===
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{{see also|2017 Navy Midshipmen football team}}
Navy welcomed the Knights to Annapolis following the Midshipmen's first loss of the season, 30–27 at Memphis,<ref>{{cite news|title=Memphis uses 5 turnovers to hand No. 25 Navy 1st loss, 30–27|url=
===Austin Peay===
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{{see also|2017 Austin Peay Governors football team}}
Coming off of their closest game yet, the Knights welcomed the Austin Peay Governors (an [[NCAA Division I Football Championship|FCS]] program) to Spectrum Stadium. Austin Peay came into the game 5–3, after having snapped their 29-game losing streak earlier in the year.<ref name="Austin Peay-Visit">{{cite news|last=Simmons|first=Christian|title=Austin Peay savors surprise trip to Florida ahead of loss to UCF|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1029-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 28, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Both teams offenses surged throughout the game, with the Governors putting up 352 yards<ref name="Austin Peay-Box Score"/> and 33 points, the most by any UCF opponent in the season at the time. Meanwhile, the Knights offense put up 489 yards<ref name="Austin Peay-Box Score">{{cite web|title=Austin Peay vs. UCF – Team Statistics|date=October 28, 2017|url=
===At SMU===
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{{see also|2017 SMU Mustangs football team}}
The Knights visited the SMU Mustangs, who started 6–2, their best record post [[Southern Methodist University football scandal#The "death penalty"|"death penalty"]]. Both teams boasted high powered offenses, leading some to believe the game would be an offensive shootout.<ref>{{cite news|last=Green|first=Shannon|title=Game Preview: No. 18 UCF at SMU|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1104-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Instead, the game became the second-lowest scoring game of the season for the Knights (behind only the Navy game). The game was the closest game yet for the Knights, and the only one to end as a single digit victory, as well as a one possession game. Though the Knights put up a season-high 615 yards on offense,<ref>{{cite web|title=UCF vs. SMU – Team|date=November 4, 2017|publisher=ESPN|url=
▲The Knights visited the SMU Mustangs, who started 6–2, their best record post [[Southern Methodist University football scandal#The "death penalty"|"death penalty"]]. Both teams boasted high powered offenses, leading some to believe the game would be an offensive shootout.<ref>{{cite news|last=Green|first=Shannon|title=Game Preview: No. 18 UCF at SMU|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1104-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Instead, the game became the second-lowest scoring game of the season for the Knights (behind only the Navy game). The game was the closest game yet for the Knights, and the only one to end as a single digit victory, as well as a one possession game. Though the Knights put up a season-high 615 yards on offense,<ref>{{cite web|title=UCF vs. SMU – Team|date=November 4, 2017|publisher=ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=400941836|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> they were unable to convert all of their drives into points. Inside the red zone, they turned over the ball on downs on their opening drive, and later lost a fumble.<ref name="AP-SMU">{{cite news|title=No. 15 UCF Stays Undefeated With 31–24 Victory Over SMU|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/04/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-ucf-smu.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 5, 2017}}</ref> Knights quarterback [[McKenzie Milton]] also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.<ref name="Sentinel-SMU">{{cite news|last=Hays|first=Chris|title=No. 18 UCF narrowly passes road test, edges SMU|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-smu-1105-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 4, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> The Knights offense was able to make big plays when it mattered, including an 80-yard touchdown reception by Gabe Davis, a 64-yard touchdown run Adrian Killins Jr., and a 63-yard catch and run by Tre'Quan Smith which set up a field goal. The Knights defense forced a crucial SMU fumble at the goal line, keeping the Mustangs from scoring a touchdown in the second quarter.<ref>{{cite news|last=Prothro|first=Jacob|title=Mustangs can't get it done against UCF|url=http://www.smudailycampus.com/sports/mustangs-cant-get-it-done|work=The Daily Campus|date=November 5, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Late in the fourth quarter, two critical fourth down stops by the defense sealed the game for the Knights. With 5:10 remaining in regulation, facing a 4th down & 3 at the UCF 38, SMU quarterback Ben Hicks threw to [[Trey Quinn]], who dropped the pass as he was turning down field, and the ball was turned over on downs. With 1:24 to go, the Mustangs faced yet another 4th down at their own 34. Hicks pass attempt was incomplete and the Knights took a knee to win the game.<ref name="Sentinel-SMU"/>
===UConn===
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{{see also|2017 UConn Huskies football team}}
UCF hosted [[2017 UConn Huskies football team|UConn]], in a matchup once known briefly as the [[Civil Conflict]]. With light rain showers in the area, UCF jumped out to a 21–3 lead after the first quarter. The Knights scored an opening drive touchdown run by Otis Anderson, aided by a fourth down conversion resulting from a Huskies offsides penalty as UCF lined up for a punt at their own 29 yard line. Midway through the second quarter, [[McKenzie Milton]] threw to Tre'Quan Smith who eluded three defenders untouched for a 41-yard touchdown pass, and UCF enjoyed a 28–10 halftime lead. The Knights, however, sputtered and were held scoreless in the third quarter. Huskies quarterback David Pindell completed a 60-yard pass to Arkeel Newsome, and on the next play, ran the ball in himself for a touchdown, and trimmed the lead to 28–17. Otis Anderson fumbled the ball deep in UConn territory, and later a turnover on downs, and UCF miscues became the focus of attention. The Knights turned the game around in the fourth quarter, however, behind a 65-yard touchdown run by Anderson,<ref name="UConn-AP">{{cite news|title=Anderson Helps No. 14 UCF Pull Away From UConn for 49–24 Win|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/11/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-uconn-ucf.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> and another touchdown run by Milton. With just under 9 minutes remaining, the UCF defense forced a turnover on downs. On the next play from scrimmage, backup quarterback Noah Vedral threw a 35-yard touchdown to Cam Stewart, who was left unguarded, and the Knights sealed a 49–24 victory.<ref name="UConn-AP"/> With Georgia's loss to Auburn, UCF would be one of four remaining undefeated teams in the country (the others being Alabama, Miami (FL), and Wisconsin).
===At Temple===
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{{see also|2017 Temple Owls football team}}
UCF traveled to Philadelphia to take on division opponent [[2017 Temple Owls football team|Temple]]. After a tight first quarter, Temple led 10–7 early in the second period. The Knights then scored 24 unanswered points to go ahead, and never surrendered the lead en route to a 45–19 victory. The Owls offense gave up three turnovers (two interceptions, and one fumble) in the second quarter, all of which led to UCF points.<ref name="Temple-AP">{{cite news|title=No. 14 UCF Rolls Temple 45–19, Heads to War on I-4 Unbeaten|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/18/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-ucf-temple.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 18, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> With just over three minutes left before halftime, UCF punter Mac Loudermilk pinned the Owls back at their own 8 yard line. On the next play from scrimmage, Owls quarterback Frank Nutile was intercepted by Kyle Gibson, who returned the ball to the 5 yard line. That set up a [[McKenzie Milton]] touchdown pass to Gabe Davis, and capped off an explosive second quarter, and a comfortable 31–10 lead by the Knights at halftime. Both teams traded punts to start the third quarter. Then Milton threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tre'Quan Smith to increase the lead. On the next drive, [[Shaquem Griffin]] intercepted Frank Nutile, and returned the ball 22 yards close to midfield.<ref name="Temple-Sentinel">{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=Shannon|title=No. 15 UCF rolls to victory over Temple, improves to 10–0|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-temple-football-1119-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 18, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> Milton drove the Knights down for another touchdown, and a 45–13 lead. The first team offense and first team defense were benched for the duration of the fourth quarter. The second team defense gave up one 74-yard touchdown pass from Frank Nutile to Adonis Jennings, but with three minutes to go Nevelle Clarke intercepted Nutile in the endzone to halt any chance of an Owls rally. The Knights improved to 10–0 on the season.<ref name="Temple-AP"/><ref name="Temple-Sentinel"/>
===South Florida===
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{{see also|2017 South Florida Bulls football team|South Florida–UCF rivalry}}
The 13th-ranked Knights welcomed the 22nd-ranked [[2017 South Florida Bulls football team|Bulls]] (9–1) to Spectrum Stadium with the winner of the game claiming the American Athletic Conference East Division title and a spot in the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]]. The game was the first ranked match-up in the [[South Florida–UCF rivalry|War on I-4]] rivalry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Knights Ranked 12th and 13th in National Polls|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032500/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game quickly turned into an offensive shootout, with a total of 1,186 yards of offense between both teams.<ref name="2017 War-AP">{{cite news|title=Winless to Unbeaten: No. 12 UCF Beats USF to Cap Turnaround|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/24/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-south-florida-ucf.html|work=The New York Times|first=Joe|last=Reedy|agency=Associated Press|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> The game came down to the wire, with UCF taking an eight-point lead (following an earlier missed extra point by South Florida) with 2:21 left in regulation.<ref name="2017 War-ESPN Play">{{cite web|title=South Florida vs. UCF – Play-By-Play – November 24, 2017 – ESPN|url=
▲The 13th-ranked Knights welcomed the 22nd-ranked [[2017 South Florida Bulls football team|Bulls]] (9–1) to Spectrum Stadium with the winner of the game claiming the American Athletic Conference East Division title and a spot in the [[2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game]]. The game was the first ranked match-up in the [[South Florida–UCF rivalry|War on I-4]] rivalry.<ref>{{cite web|title=Knights Ranked 12th and 13th in National Polls|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032500/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The game quickly turned into an offensive shootout, with a total of 1,186 yards of offense between both teams.<ref name="2017 War-AP">{{cite news|title=Winless to Unbeaten: No. 12 UCF Beats USF to Cap Turnaround|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/24/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-south-florida-ucf.html|work=The New York Times|first=Joe|last=Reedy|agency=Associated Press|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> The game came down to the wire, with UCF taking an eight-point lead (following an earlier missed extra point by South Florida) with 2:21 left in regulation.<ref name="2017 War-ESPN Play">{{cite web|title=South Florida vs. UCF – Play-By-Play – November 24, 2017 – ESPN|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400941849|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> South Florida then tied the game with an 83-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion with 1:41 remaining.<ref name="2017 War-ESPN Play" /> On the ensuing kickoff, UCF's [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]] returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown,<ref>{{cite news|last1=Adelson|first1=Andrea|title=Inside UCF's 95-yard kickoff return that clinched wild win|url=http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/insidetheplay112417/inside-ucf-knights-95-yard-kickoff-return-clinched-wild-win|work=ESPN.com|date=November 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Staples|first1=Andy|title=UCF edges USF to stay perfect, quell Scott Frost news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/11/24/ucf-usf-score-scott-frost-aac-quinton-flowers|work=Sports Illustrated|date=November 24, 2017|language=en}}</ref> giving the Knights a 49–42 lead, with 1:28 left.<ref name="2017 War-ESPN Play" /> The Bulls attempted to strike back, but fumbled on the UCF 45 yard line which UCF linebacker Chequan Burkett recovered to seal the game.<ref name="2017 War-AP" /><ref>{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=Shannon|title=UCF rallies for historic win over rival USF, clinches perfect season|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-usf-game-story-1125-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> The game was called one of the best of the [[2017 NCAA Division I FBS football season|season]].<ref name="cbs-11-25-2017a">{{cite news|last1=Kercheval|first1=Ben|title=Three TDs in 53 seconds? UCF beats USF in college football's game of the year|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/three-tds-in-53-seconds-ucf-beats-usf-in-college-footballs-game-of-the-year/|work=CBSSports.com|date=November 25, 2017|language=en}}</ref><ref name="sbnation-11-24-2017a">{{cite web|last1=D'Andrea|first1=Christian|last2=Kirk|first2=Jason|last3=Johnson|first3=Richard|title=UCF beats USF in CFB's best game of 2017 so far|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/11/24/16686086/ucf-usf-2017-results-final-score|website=SBNation.com|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref><ref name="underd-11-24-2017a">{{cite web|last1=Short|first1=Chas|title=#15 UCF Beats USF 49–42 In Epic Edition of the War on I-4|url=https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2017/11/24/16698156/ucf-knights-usf-bulls-central-florida-scott-frost-quinton-flowers-mike-hughes-recap-2017-war-on-i4|website=Underdog Dynasty|date=November 24, 2017}}</ref> With Miami and Alabama both losing their respective games, UCF and Wisconsin would be the only two undefeated teams in Division I FBS.
===AAC Championship: Memphis===
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Memphis fumbled away the ball on the first drive of the game. UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton threw two touchdown passes, and the Knights led 17–7 at the end of the first quarter. Memphis dominated most of the second quarter, highlighted by miscues by the Knights, particularly on offense. Tigers quarterback [[Riley Ferguson]] threw two touchdown passes, including a 68-yard bomb to a wide open [[Anthony Miller (wide receiver, born 1994)|Anthony Miller]]. The Knights committed three turnovers in the second quarter, a fumble and two red zone interceptions. Tigers kicker [[Riley Patterson]] kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, and Memphis led at halftime 31–24.
UCF bounced back in the third quarter. Memphis opened the second half with a surprise onside kick, but the kick attempt failed. McKenzie Milton had two touchdown runs, and threw for another touchdown, and the Knights were back in the lead by the score of 45–34. Trailing by 14 partway through the fourth quarter, Tigers running back [[
With 33 seconds remaining in regulation, Memphis lined up for a potential game-winning 46-yard field goal attempt. The field goal attempt was blocked and recovered by the Knights, but not before the Tigers were called for Delay of Game. The penalty gave the Tigers a second chance at a game-winning field goal attempt. Riley Patterson's 51-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left, and the game would ultimately go to overtime tied 48–48.
Both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime period, and the game was tied 55–55 going into the second overtime. Otis Anderson scored a 1-yard touchdown run to put UCF ahead 62–55. Memphis took over on offense. Facing 2nd down & Goal at the UCF 9 yard line, Riley Ferguson dropped back to pass, but was pressured by Shaquem Griffin. Ferguson's pass was intercepted by Tre Neal at the 4 yard line to end the game.<ref name="Recap-ESPN-UCF-Mem">{{cite news|url=
===Peach Bowl: Auburn===
Line 785 ⟶ 769:
| AP_14 = 10
| coaches_14 = 10
| cfp_14 = 12
| AP_15 = 6 <small> (4) </small>
| coaches_15 = 7
Line 793 ⟶ 777:
===Scores by quarter===
{|
|- align="left"
|{{Linescore Amfootball|
Line 810 ⟶ 794:
}}
|}
{|
|- align="left"
|{{Linescore Amfootball|
Line 829 ⟶ 813:
}}
|}
{|
|- align="left"
|{{Linescore Amfootball|
Line 881 ⟶ 865:
===American Athletic Conference honors===
* [[American Athletic Conference football individual awards#Offensive Player of the Year|Offensive Player of the Year]]: [[McKenzie Milton]]<ref name="AAC 2017 honors">{{cite press release|title=2017 American Athletic Conference Football Postseason Honors|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2017/11/29/2017-american-athletic-conference-football-postseason-honors.aspx?path=football|publisher=American Athletic Conference|date=November 29, 2017}}</ref>
* [[American Athletic Conference football individual awards#Coach of the Year|Coach of the Year]]: [[Scott Frost]]<ref name="AAC 2017 honors"/>
====American Athletic Conference All-Conference First Team====
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* Aaron Evans, OT
* Jordan Johnson, C
* [[Jordan Akins]], TE
* [[McKenzie Milton]], QB
* [[Adrian Killins]], RB
{{col-break}}
* [[Jamiyus Pittman]], DL
* [[Shaquem Griffin]], LB
* [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]], CB
* Kyle Gibson, S
{{col-end}}
<ref name="AAC 2017 honors" />
Line 903 ⟶ 887:
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
* [[Tre'Quan Smith]], WR
* [[Wyatt Miller]], OT
* [[Trysten Hill]], DL
* Chequan Burkett, LB
{{col-break}}
* [[Matthew Wright (American football)|Matthew Wright]], K
* Mac Loudermilk, P
* [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]], [[Return specialist|RS]]
{{col-end}}
<ref name="AAC 2017 honors" />
====American Athletic Conference offensive player of the week====
* September 4: [[McKenzie Milton]]<ref name="AAC-Report-W13">{{cite news
|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/theamerican.sidearmsports.com/documents/2017/8/21/2017_release_0a.pdf
|title=American Athletic Conference Football Report, 2017 Season – Week 13|publisher=The American Athletic Conference|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}</ref>
* October 2: [[Adrian Killins]]<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* October 16: McKenzie Milton<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* November 20: McKenzie Milton<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* November 27: McKenzie Milton<ref name="AAC-awardss-w14">{{cite news|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2017/11/27/milton-flowers-highlight-final-football-weekly-honors.aspx|title=Milton, Flowers Highlight final football weekly honors|publisher=TheAmerican.org|date=November 27, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017}}</ref>
====American Athletic Conference special teams player of the week====
* October 2: [[Matthew Wright (American football)|Matthew Wright]]<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* October 16: [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]]<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* October 30: Mike Hughes<ref name="AAC-Report-W13"/>
* November 27: Mike Hughes<ref name="AAC-awardss-w14"/>
===School records===
* Best record to start season: 13–0
* Most consecutive victories: 25
* Longest rush from scrimmage: 96 yards (touchdown) – [[Adrian Killins]] (September 30, 2017, vs. Memphis)
* Most points scored in single game: 73 vs. Austin Peay (October 28, 2017)<ref name="AP-Austin Peay"/>
* Most points scored in a season: 627
Line 943 ⟶ 927:
===National awards and honors===
[[File:Griffin and Milton at the 2018 UCF Disney Parade (24698977057).jpg|thumb|UCF's parade at [[Walt Disney World]]]]
* [[AFCA Coach of the Year Award]] – [[Scott Frost]]<ref>{{cite tweet|author=USA Today Sports|title=2017 AFCA FBS Coach of the Year Award Scott Frost, University of Central Floridapic.twitter.com/4azpvZctfk|user=usatodaysports|number=950915519997272064|language=en|date=January 9, 2018}}</ref>
* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus|Archie Griffin Award]] – [[McKenzie Milton]]<ref name="ucfknights.com">{{cite press release|title=Milton Named Archie Griffin Award Winner|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/22/football-milton-named-archie-griffin-award-winner.aspx|language=en|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224204002/http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/22/football-milton-named-archie-griffin-award-winner.aspx|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award]] – Scott Frost<ref>{{cite news|last1=Russo|first1=Ralph D.|title=College football: Scott Frost named AP Coach of the Year after leading UCF to undefeated season|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2017-12-18/college-football-scott-frost-named-ap-coach-year-after-leading-ucf|work=NCAA.com|agency=Associated Press|date=December 18, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
* [[Broyles Award]] – Troy Walters (semi-finalist)<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/21/football-walters-named-broyles-semifinalist.aspx?path=football|title=Walters Named Broyles Award Semifinalist|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 21, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030739/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/21/football-walters-named-broyles-semifinalist.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[College GameDay (football)|College GameDay]] [[Kirk Herbstreit|"Herbie" Awards]]{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
** Moment of the year – Scott Frost winning AAC Championship
** Game of the year – UCF vs. South Florida
* [[Davey O'Brien Award|Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award]] (semi-finalist) – McKenzie Milton<ref>{{cite press release|last=Seeley|first=Andy|title=Milton Makes Cut|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-milton-makes-cut.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205715/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-milton-makes-cut.aspx|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* ESPN all-bowl team – [[Shaquem Griffin]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Schlabach|first1=Mark|title=Introducing the ESPN All-Bowl team|url=
* [[George Munger Award|George Munger Coach of the Year]] – Scott Frost (semi-finalist)<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/16/football-frost-up-for-coach-of-year.aspx|title=Frost Up For Coach of Year|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002941/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/16/football-frost-up-for-coach-of-year.aspx|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Home Depot Coach of the Year]] – Scott Frost<ref>{{cite press release|title=National Coach of the Year – UCF|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/6/football-national-coach-of-the-year.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013411/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/6/football-national-coach-of-the-year.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Jason Witten]] Collegiate Man of the Year (finalist) – Shaquem Griffin<ref>{{cite press release|last=Seeley|first=Andy|title=Griffin Named Semi-Finalist|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-griffin-named-semifinalist.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108210116/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-griffin-named-semifinalist.aspx|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|date=December 12, 2017|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/12/football-griffin-a-witten-finalist.aspx?path=football|title=Griffin a Witten Finalist – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000240/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/12/football-griffin-a-witten-finalist.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Manning Award]] Quarterback of the Week (Week 12) – McKenzie Milton<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/22/football-miltons-manning-award.aspx?path=football|title=Milton Named Manning Award QB of the Week|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 22, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042600/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/22/football-miltons-manning-award.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Ray Guy Award]] Punter of the Week (Week 11) – Mac Loudermilk<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://rayguyaward.com/central-florida-punter-mac-loudermilk-earns-ray-guy-award-weekly-honor/|title=Central Florida Punter Mac Loudermilk Earns Ray Guy Award Weekly Honor|publisher=Ray Guy Award|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082707/http://rayguyaward.com/central-florida-punter-mac-loudermilk-earns-ray-guy-award-weekly-honor/|archive-date=November 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[List of Senior CLASS Award football winners|Senior CLASS Award]] – Shaquem Griffin<ref>{{cite press release|title=UCF's Shaquem Griffin Selected as the 2017 Senior CLASS Award® Winner for FBS Football {{!}} Senior CLASS Award|url=http://www.seniorclassaward.com/news/view/ucfs_shaquem_griffin_selected_as_the_2017_senior_class_award_winner_for_fbs/|website=www.seniorclassaward.com|language=en|date=December 27, 2017}}</ref>
* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus|Touchdown Club of Columbus Male Athlete of the Year]] – Shaquem Griffin<ref name="ucfknights.com"/>
* [[Walter Camp Award]] FBS Offensive Player of the Week (Week 13) – McKenzie Milton<ref name="walter">{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/26/football-Milton-Gets-Walter-Camp-Honors.aspx?path=football|title=McKenzie Milton Named Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041517/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/26/football-Milton-Gets-Walter-Camp-Honors.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
* [[Walter Camp Award|Walter Camp Player of the Year Award]] (semi-finalist) – McKenzie Milton<ref name="walter"/>
* [[Touchdown Club of Columbus|Woody Hayes Trophy]] – Scott Frost<ref name="ucfknights.com"/>
* [[American Football Coaches Association]] Second Team All-American – [[Shaquem Griffin]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Griffin All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 13, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000303/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>▼
* [[Football Writers Association of America]] Second Team All-American – [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Hughes All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 11, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000711/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>▼
▲*[[Shaquem Griffin]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Griffin All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 13, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000303/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
▲*[[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]]<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Hughes All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 11, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000711/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
==Players in the 2018 NFL draft==
Line 973 ⟶ 953:
{|class="wikitable" width="80%"
|- align="center" style="{{CollegePrimaryStyle|UCF Knights}}"
| '''Player''' || '''Position''' || '''Round''' || '''Pick''' || '''NFL
|- align="center" bgcolor=""
| [[Mike Hughes (American football)|Mike Hughes]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1 || 30 || [[2018 Minnesota Vikings season|Minnesota Vikings]]
|- align="center" bgcolor=""
| [[Tre'Quan Smith]] || [[Wide receiver|WR]] || 3 || 91 || [[2018 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]]
|- align="center" bgcolor=""
| [[Jordan Akins]] || [[Tight end|TE]] || 3 || 98 || [[2018 Houston Texans season|Houston Texans]]
|- align="center" bgcolor=""
| [[Shaquem Griffin]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 5 || 141 || [[2018 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]]
Line 1,016 ⟶ 996:
[[Category:College football undefeated seasons]]
[[Category:2017 in sports in Florida|UCF Knights football]]
[[Category:2010s in Orlando, Florida]]
| |||