Kent State vs. UCF Short Report | Aug 31, 2023
FBC Mortgage Stadium
Orlando, FL
Aug 31, 2023
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Game Recap
The UCF Knights dominated the Kent State Golden Flashes with a commanding 56-6 victory in their home opener. From the first snap, UCF's offense was unstoppable, scoring consecutive touchdowns early in the first quarter, which set an insurmountable tone for the rest of the game. As noted by FOX Sports, John Rhys Plumlee, who recorded 281 passing yards and three touchdowns, orchestrated an offensive masterclass. UCF's defense, led by standout performance of Ricky Barber, stifled Kent State's offense, allowing only two field goals throughout the contest.
Despite committing two interceptions, UCF remained in control, showcasing depth and versatility across all phases of the game. The Knights' robust defense blanketed the Golden Flashes, who couldn't breach the end zone. CBSSports.com highlighted the comprehensive nature of UCF's victory, pointing out key contributions from players like RJ Harvey and Xavier Townsend. This resounding win provided an electrifying start to UCF's season, demonstrating their readiness for upcoming challenges.
Key Plays:
John Rhys Plumlee (UCF Knights)
John Rhys Plumlee quickly set the tone with a precision 9-yard pass to Xavier Townsend for an early touchdown, highlighting UCF's offensive intent. This play effectively showcased the Knights' passing game, putting immediate pressure on Kent State.
Andrew Glass (Kent State Golden Flashes)
Andrew Glass delivered a 45-yard field goal, trimming UCF's early lead and providing a glimmer of hope for Kent State, though it would be their first and only visit to the scoring column for a while.
John Rhys Plumlee (UCF Knights)
Demonstrating his dual-threat capability, John Rhys Plumlee broke free for an electric 17-yard touchdown run, extending UCF's lead and demonstrating the versatility that would define the Knights' offensive strategy.
Jordan McDonald (UCF Knights)
Jordan McDonald capitalized on UCF's ground assault with a determined 2-yard rush into the end zone, bolstering the Knights' already commanding lead.
John Rhys Plumlee (UCF Knights)
John Rhys Plumlee connected with Alec Holler for an 18-yard touchdown pass just before halftime, further cementing UCF's dominance and delivering a morale-crushing blow to Kent State.
John Rhys Plumlee (UCF Knights)
In an aerial show of skill, John Rhys Plumlee threw a 50-yard bullet to RJ Harvey, pushing the Knights into an untouchable lead and showcasing UCF's offensive explosiveness.
RJ Harvey (UCF Knights)
Further asserting UCF's ground dominance, RJ Harvey dashed 48 yards for a touchdown, underscoring the Knights' relentless offensive depth.
Andrew Glass (Kent State Golden Flashes)
Andrew Glass scored his second field goal of the game, from 43 yards out, adding a modicum of respectability to the Golden Flashes' tally.
Mark-Antony Richards (UCF Knights)
Mark-Antony Richards pierced through Kent State's defenses for a 7-yard touchdown run, extending the Knights' dominance in the final quarter.
Demarkcus Bowman (UCF Knights)
Capping UCF's offensive onslaught, Demarkcus Bowman powered through for a 5-yard touchdown run, ensuring a headline-grabbing end to the Knights' scoring masterclass.
Standout Players:
John Rhys Plumlee (UCF Knights, QB)
Showcasing his dual-threat prowess, he threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 90 yards and another score. Despite two interceptions, Plumlee's dynamic playmaking was pivotal in UCF's dominant performance.
RJ Harvey (UCF Knights, RB)
Harvey was a dual-threat out of the backfield, racking up 84 rushing yards and scoring a 48-yard touchdown run, while also contributing 50 yards and a touchdown in the passing game. His versatility kept Kent State's defense on its heels.
Andrew Glass (Kent State Golden Flashes, K)
Glass provided the lone highlights for the Golden Flashes by successfully kicking two long field goals from 45 and 43 yards, demonstrating his reliability under pressure.
Xavier Townsend (UCF Knights, WR)
Continually making key receptions, Townsend caught five passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, playing a crucial role in stretching the field and providing targets for Plumlee.
Ricky Barber (UCF Knights, DT)
Barber was a disruptive force on the defensive line, securing a solo tackle for loss and a sack, which contributed significantly to UCF's defensive clampdown on Kent State's offense.
Team
1
2
3
4
T
Kent State Golden Flashes
3
0
3
0
6
UCF Knights
14
14
14
14
56
