Nick Moore
Knights shine, records extend
Entering Thursday evening Knight Nation was assured a few things. One, their stars would shine. Two, they would undoubtedly earn a win. UCF rattled FAMU in the season opener at Spectrum Stadium 62-0. Head coach Josh Heupel and company once again displayed a dynamic offense. With a 26-1 record in their last 27 games the Knights lead the nation in consecutive games scoring 30+ points, doing so in all 27 over the past three seasons. The two-time AAC Champions also extended their home winning streak to 16 games.
The stars, running backs Adrian Killins Jr. and Greg McCrae, alongside wide receivers Gabriel Davis and Tre Nixon, led the Knights to 694 total yards. They combined for five of the teams eight touchdowns. The defense held the Rattlers to just 96 yards (92 passing, four rushing).
Quarterback quandry
But the real bright spot came from perhaps the biggest unanswered question entering Thursday night – quarterback play. Redshirt senior transfer Brandon Wimbush and true freshman Dillon Gabriel combined for five touchdown passes, splitting time behind center. Freshman quarterback and Jones High School graduate, Quadry Jones, completed both of his pass attempts in the fourth quarter. One, a 49-yard touchdown to freshman Amari Johnson, that burned the FAMU defense for the final score of the night.
“It felt great. We have to keep building, keep getting better. I think that’s important for a young and developing team” Wimbush said.
Speaking of developing. It appears Wimbush’s role going forward will be doing just that as the season progresses. True freshman Dillon Gabriel (9-for-13, 127 yards and two touchdowns) appeared poised and polished for serious playing time. Gabriel, who hails from the same high school as beloved quarterback McKenzie Milton, may have already become a sentimental favorite. Wimbush has a definitive 13 games of collegiate eligibility remaining. Gabriel potentially has as many as 55 .
Up ahead
Up next for the Knights is a date with Lane Kiffin’s Florida Atlantic Owls in Boca Raton. The game is currently scheduled for Saturday September 7th at 7PM, pending the results of Hurricane Dorian.
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