UCF vs. Memphis Football: A History of Gridiron Battles
The rivalry between the UCF Knights and the Memphis Tigers football teams has produced some memorable moments in American Athletic Conference (AAC) history. From high-scoring shootouts to come-from-behind victories, these teams have consistently delivered exciting contests.
A Championship Clash
One of the most notable games in the series is the 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship Game, played on December 2. The game was a rematch of a regular-season contest where UCF emerged victorious. Both teams entered the championship game with high-powered offenses. The UCF Knights, representing the East Division, boasted the highest-scoring offense in Division I FBS. The Memphis Tigers, representing the West Division, were not far behind, ranking as the second-highest-scoring team.
Game Summary
Memphis won the coin toss and elected to receive. Early in the game, a fumble by Memphis' Darrell Henderson was recovered by UCF's Shaquem Griffin, leading to a quick touchdown pass from McKenzie Milton to Dredrick Snelson, giving the Knights an early 7-0 lead. UCF extended their lead with a field goal, but Memphis responded with a rushing touchdown by Patrick Taylor.
The second quarter saw Memphis gain momentum, capitalizing on UCF miscues and turnovers. Riley Ferguson, the Tigers' quarterback, threw two touchdown passes, including a 68-yard pass to Anthony Miller. UCF committed three turnovers in the quarter, including two interceptions by Milton in the red zone. Memphis ended the half with a field goal, taking a lead into halftime.
UCF came back strong in the third quarter, with Milton scoring two rushing touchdowns and throwing another touchdown pass. Memphis managed only a field goal in response. As the fourth quarter began, Memphis trailed but quickly closed the gap. Tony Pollard scored a 66-yard touchdown run, and Memphis eventually tied the game.
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In the final minutes of regulation, both teams had opportunities to win. A potential game-winning field goal attempt by Memphis was blocked, but a delay of game penalty gave them another chance. However, the second attempt was missed. UCF then drove into field goal range, but Milton threw an interception, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime Drama
UCF won the coin toss in overtime and chose to play defense first. Memphis faced penalties, but ultimately scored a touchdown. UCF responded with a touchdown of their own, sending the game to a second overtime. In the second overtime, UCF scored a touchdown, taking the lead. Memphis then faced a critical 4th down and 7. On the next play, Riley Ferguson was pressured, and his pass was intercepted by Tre Neal, sealing the victory for UCF.
The game was a high-scoring affair, with the two teams combining for 1,479 yards of offense and 117 points. It was the highest-scoring conference championship game in FBS history. Milton threw for 494 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Ferguson also had a stellar performance.
Offensive Powerhouses
Both UCF and Memphis have consistently showcased potent offenses throughout their history. In the 2017 game, both teams gained over 700 yards of total offense. Quarterbacks Ferguson and Milton combined for 965 passing yards and nine touchdowns. The game also featured multiple receivers exceeding 145 receiving yards.
In a game, Brady White turned into the star of a game featuring two teams that combined for more total yards and more passing yards than any game in conference history, masterfully orchestrating this remarkable come-from-behind victory. He evaded the pass rush for first downs, used his legs to get first downs, and even drew UCF offsides with a hard count for a first down. He completed passes to convert long third downs, and converted a fourth-and-10 in the fourth quarter to get Memphis within one score again in the fourth quarter. He threw for a school-record 486 yards, had six touchdown passes to five different players and accounted for seven touchdowns overall. He found Austin, Ivory and Washington so often, you almost forgot Coxie was missing. He was everything Memphis fans ever wanted him to be, and he was everything in a game where almost everybody he counted on last year was not playing.
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Key Players
Several players have stood out in the UCF-Memphis rivalry.
- McKenzie Milton (UCF): The UCF quarterback had a record-breaking performance in the 2017 AAC Championship Game, throwing for 494 yards and 5 touchdowns.
- Riley Ferguson (Memphis): The Memphis quarterback was also impressive in the 2017 game, contributing to the high-scoring affair.
- Tre'Quan Smith (UCF): A wide receiver who took advantage of his six catches, getting 161 yards and two touchdowns. His 26.8 average yards per reception ranks tied for the seventh-most in a game in program history.
- Dredrick Snelson (UCF): A wide receiver who put up 145 yards and two touchdowns on nine catches
- Jordan Akins (UCF): Tight end who caught four passes for 66 yards and a touchdown.
- Otis Anderson (UCF): Rushing for over 50 yards and getting one touchdown, eclipsing the century mark, finishing with 113 yards.
- Darrell Henderson (Memphis): Future NFL running back.
- Tony Pollard (Memphis): Future NFL running back.
- Anthony Miller (Memphis): Future NFL wide receiver.
- Tre Neal (UCF): Defensive back who etched his name into UCF lore with a game-winning interception.
- Brady White (Memphis): Quarterback was the star of the game in a comeback victory.
Coaching Changes and Program Development
Both UCF and Memphis have experienced coaching changes that have influenced the trajectory of their football programs.
Memphis is in its second season under head coach Ryan Silverfield, who took over after Mike Norvell left for Florida State. Last season, the Tigers went 8-3 in the shortened campaign, going 5-3 in AAC play and defeating Florida Atlantic 25-10 in the Montgomery Bowl.
New defensive coordinator Travis Williams has had the task of turning around UCF's defense that ranked 123rd in the nation in total defense a season ago, allowing 491.8 yards per game, and 92nd in scoring defense, giving up 33.2 points per game.
Academic Achievements
UCF's football program has also emphasized academic success. UCF Athletics extended its streak to 27 consecutive semesters with a department average GPA of 3.0 or better, and it marked the ninth straight semester of a 3.2 or better as a department. The UCF football team put 49 student-athletes on the AAC All-Academic Team this past spring. A total of 37 football student-athletes earned Dean's List honors over the course of the 2020-21 school year, with Derek Gainous, Anthony Montalvo, and Alex Swenson earning the accolades both semesters. Gainous, a senior safety for the Knights, also received CoSIDA Academic All-District honors this past year.
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A Defining Win for Memphis
The biggest comeback in Memphis football history began with the Tigers’ leading receiver not there and ended with the ball in the hands of the quarterback who won't leave. The biggest comeback in Memphis football history began with the burden of an ignominious losing streak and ended with the pure joy and pandemonium only a program-defining triumph could produce.
The win was more than just the first win over UCF in 30 years, or the first win over UCF since Memphis joined the AAC, or the win that kept the Tigers in the league title conversation. It was a win in the midst of a season that seemed on the verge of spiraling in the most maddening of ways and put aside the complete disarray brought on by the pandemic.
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