UCF vs. FAU Football: A History of Gridiron Battles

The UCF Knights and the Florida Atlantic (FAU) Owls have a relatively short but compelling history on the football field. Their matchups have provided exciting moments and have contributed to the growth of both programs. UCF holds a perfect record in the series, showcasing their dominance in these contests.

Series Overview

UCF boasts a 4-0 record against Florida Atlantic. The Knights have also maintained a perfect 2-0 record when playing at FAU Stadium. This undefeated streak highlights UCF's consistent performance and ability to secure victories, regardless of the venue.

Key Games and Moments

Several games in the UCF-FAU series stand out due to their exciting play and significant outcomes.

Early Encounters

In an early matchup, UCF secured a decisive 48-14 victory over FAU. Freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel led the Knights to victory in his first career start, throwing for 245 yards and two touchdowns. The Knights' defense was equally impressive, allowing just one second-half touchdown and two first-half field goals. The game was eventually called with 4:20 to play due to lightning in the area.

Recent Matchups

More recently, UCF defeated Florida Atlantic 40-14. After allowing just 18 yards in the second half, UCF's defense bounced back in a big way. The Knights held the Owls to zero yards in the third quarter and only allowed 18 yards in the fourth quarter. John Rhys Plumlee had a career performance with 121 rushing yards, a career-high 339 passing yards, and three total touchdowns.

Read also: A Legacy of Excellence

Program Development

The UCF football program's origins can be traced back to a speech given by the university's second president, Dr. Trevor Colbourn, in January 1979. Colbourn believed that a successful athletics program would bring the university greater renown. Less than one year later, UCF played its first game on September 22, 1979, against St. Leo University, winning 21-0.

Ascent Through the Divisions

UCF first fielded a varsity football team in the fall of 1979 as an NCAA Division III program. The Knights subsequently completed their ascension to Division I-A, now known as the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), in 1996. They became the first program in NCAA history to have played in all four divisions of football (a feat matched only by James Madison in 2022). As a Division I-AA program, the Knights made the 1990 and 1993 playoffs.

Notable Coaches

Gene McDowell: McDowell led the Knights to their first winning season since 1979, with a 6-5 record in 1986. In 1990, the program moved up to Division I-AA. That year, the Knights earned a 10-4 record and a trip to the I-AA playoffs, making it to the semifinals.

George O'Leary: O'Leary was named UCF's head coach in 2004. He brought UCF to their first division title, first appearance in a conference championship game, first conference championship title, first bowl appearance (and first bowl victory), as well as a victory in a BCS bowl game.

Scott Frost: Frost coached the Knights football team in 2016-2017, leading them to a 13-0 perfect season in 2017.

Josh Heupel: In Heupel's first season, UCF started 12-0 and extended its winning streak to a school-record 25 games.

Gus Malzahn: Malzahn was named UCF's head football coach in 2021.

Conference Affiliations and Championships

UCF has been a member of several conferences throughout its history, each affiliation marking a significant step in the program's development.

Mid-American Conference (MAC)

After six years as a Division I-A independent, UCF played its first season as a football-only member of the Mid-American Conference in 2002. They finished runner-up in the East division with a 6-2 conference record.

Conference USA (C-USA)

In 2005, UCF began their first season as a member of Conference USA. They won their first intra-conference game against Marshall, ending the school's 17-game losing streak. UCF finished 8-5, winning the East Division and hosting the C-USA Championship game. Under head coach George O'Leary, the Knights won two Conference USA Championships (2007, 2010).

Read also: Recruiting Gems in CFB 25

American Athletic Conference (AAC)

On December 7, 2011, UCF was invited to join the Big East Conference. Due to the breakup of the Big East, UCF ultimately became a member of the successor conference known as the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in all sports beginning in 2013. In 2013, O'Leary led the Knights to their first twelve-win season, first perfect intra-conference record, and won the inaugural AAC Championship. The Knights won the conference in 2017 and 2018.

Big 12 Conference

In 2023, UCF officially moved into the Big 12 Conference. The Knights became the first NCAA football program to play at every sanctioned level: Division III, Division II, Division I-AA, Division I-A (Independent), Group of Five, and Power Five.

Bowl Game Appearances

The Knights have made 15 postseason appearances since joining the FBS, including winning one Bowl Championship Series bowl, the 2014 Fiesta Bowl, and one New Year's Six bowl, the 2018 Peach Bowl.

Memorable Bowl Games

2014 Fiesta Bowl: Ranked No. 15, UCF secured a berth in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day against No. 6 Baylor. The Knights defeated the Bears 52-42.

2018 Peach Bowl: The No. 12 ranked Knights faced No. 7 Auburn in the Peach Bowl, winning 34-27.

Individual Achievements

Several players have achieved significant milestones and received accolades throughout UCF's football history.

Notable Players

Daunte Culpepper: Culpepper reinvigorated the Knights during their final season in Division I-AA.

Kevin Smith: Running back Kevin Smith set an NCAA record with 450 rushing attempts and rushed for 2,567 yards in 2007, placing him 2nd on the all-time single season rushing list. Smith became UCF's first consensus All-American.

Blake Bortles: Bortles was the game MVP in the 2014 Fiesta Bowl.

Dillon Gabriel: Gabriel emerged as the new starting quarterback.

John Rhys Plumlee: Plumlee had a career performance with 121 rushing yards and a career-high 339 passing yards.

Records and Milestones

Johnny Richardson's 50-yard rush in the second quarter is the longest of his career.
RJ Harvey scored his first career touchdown on a 3-yard rush in the third quarter.
Alec Holler's 64-yard reception in the second quarter is the longest play of the season for the Knights.
Holler is the first UCF player to surpass 100 yards receiving in a game this season.
Javon Baker had a career-high seven receptions for 83 yards with a touchdown.
Isaiah Bowser has rushed for at least one touchdown in every game this season.

Fan Support and Stadiums

UCF has cultivated a strong fan base that passionately supports the team.

Stadiums

The team rebranded in 2007 in preparation for its move to its new on-campus stadium. They inaugurated their new stadium by hosting No. 6 Texas.

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