Kent State University
0-1 , 0-0
University of Central Florida
1-0 , 0-0
Flashes Force Three Turnovers in Setback to UCF
8/31/2023 10:56:00โฏPM | Football
ORLANDO- Kent State forced three turnovers and battled for four quarters, but UCF prevailed 56-6 on Thursday night inside the Bounce House, FBC Mortgage Stadium.
The Golden Flashes responded well after UCF got out to a quick start. Kent State put together a nine-play, forty-five-yard drive highlighted by a pair of Michael Alaimo passes to Trell Harris. Andrew Glass split the uprights to get Kent State on the board on Thursday night and for the first points of the 2023 season and KentGRIT era.
Kent State then forced the first of two first-half turnovers. Oliver Billotte and CJ West forced John Rhys Plumlee out of the pocket and knocked the ball free. The strip sack was recovered by Stephen Daley and the Flashes were back in business. The Flashes offense was back on the move with the big play being a pitch-and-catch to Chrishon McCray. However, Andrew Glass' 44-yard field goal hit the left upright and bounded away.
The defense continued to make highlight plays down the stretch of the first half. The Flashes flushed Plumlee from the pocket and DJ Miller picked off an underthrown ball in the end zone. It was the second forced turnover of the half and the first collegiate interception for Miller.
The Flashes continued to battle in the second half. Nick Giacolone picked off Plumlee in his first game as a Golden Flash. It came off a 50-yard drive for the offense that saw Alaimo connect with McCray for a big 36-yard catch-and-run. Andrew Glass connected from 43-yards out to put Kent State on the second half scoreboard.
Kent State was led on defense by Missouri transfer Devin Nicholson. The linebacker led the way with 13 tackles including two for loss, posting game highs in both areas. McCray led the receivers with 61 yards on a trio of grabs. Alaimo finished with 145 yards passing while adding 23 yards rushing, Gavin Garcia led the way with 46 yards on the ground.
Next up is a trip to Fayetteville to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks. Kick time is set for 4 p.m. ET/3 p.m. CT.
Team Stats
KSU 0, UCF 7
UCF - Townsend,Xavier 9 yd pass from Plumlee,John Rhys (Boomer,Colton kick) 11 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:04
KSU 0, UCF 14
UCF - Plumlee,John Rhys 17 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 6 plays, 59 yards, TOP 02:50
KSU 3, UCF 14
KSU - Glass,Andrew 45 yd field goal 9 plays, 49 yards, TOP 02:47
KSU 3, UCF 21
UCF - McDonald,Jordan 2 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 10 plays, 74 yards, TOP 03:45
KSU 3, UCF 28
UCF - Holler,Alec 18 yd pass from Plumlee,John Rhys (Boomer,Colton kick) 8 plays, 94 yards, TOP 01:06
KSU 3, UCF 35
UCF - Harvey,RJ 50 yd pass from Plumlee,John Rhys (Boomer,Colton kick) 5 plays, 78 yards, TOP 01:57
KSU 3, UCF 42
UCF - Harvey,RJ 48 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 2 plays, 56 yards, TOP 00:26
KSU 6, UCF 42
KSU - Glass,Andrew 43 yd field goal 8 plays, 50 yards, TOP 03:18
KSU 6, UCF 49
UCF - Richards,Mark-Antony 7 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 7 plays, 62 yards, TOP 02:47
KSU 6, UCF 56
UCF - Bowman,Demarkcus 5 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 10 plays, 68 yards, TOP 05:06
