The Central Florida Knights are one step closer to a winless season following Thursday night’s 44-7 drubbing at the hands of the East Carolina Pirates. The loss brings UCF to 0-11 on the season and 0-7 in the American Conference.
Quarterback Blake Kemp led the way for East Carolina with 35 completions in 50 attempts for 448 yards and four touchdowns. Isiah Jones had 14 receptions for 164 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Hairston ran for 137 yards on 14 carries, highlighted by a 39-yard touchdown run a little more the one minute before halftime.
UCF managed only 12 first downs and 232 yards of total offense. East Carolina piled up 619 total yards.
The Knights actually scored first and led 7-0 just 2:57 into the game. Tre’Quan Smith hauled in an 11-yard scoring pass from quarterback Justin Holman. The Pirates then closed the first half with 31 consecutive points to end any doubt about the outcome.
The loss was Central Florida’s 12th in succession dating back to last season’s St. Petersburg Bowl defeat at the hands of North Carolina State. Ironically, UCF’s last win was against East Carolina on December 4, 2014 when they defeated the Pirates 32-20 in Greenville, NC.
The USF Bulls come to Orlando next week for the final game of the season.
