Knights celebrate after cathartic win over Tech
ATLANTA — As the final seconds ticked off the clock at Bobby Dodd Stadium Saturday, everyone associated with the UCF program could finally breathe a sigh of relief
Not only did the Knights look impressive during their 49-21 win over Georgia Tech, but for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic tossed the world into chaos the players and coaches had something to smile about together.
The ensuing locker-room celebration was something to behold, according to UCF coach Josh Heupel.
“The locker room was the best locker room that I’ve ever been in,” Heupel said. “Guys were so excited. Obviously happy about the win, but as much as anything, they were happy to do what they love to do today.
“None of them took it for granted and they love one another and it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Despite the challenges of isolating at home for several months, No. 13 UCF (1-0) picked up right where it left off last season. The Knights scored four touchdowns during their first six possessions, quickly earning a 28-7 lead over Georgia Tech in the first half.
After the Yellow Jackets (1-1) cut the lead to 28-21 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Knights went back to work and scored 21 consecutive points during a 10-minute stretch. The 49 points were the most a UCF team has scored since racking up 63 against Temple on Oct. 26.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel finished the game 27 of 41passing for 417 yards with four touchdowns and an interception. He was the first UCF quarterback to throw for 400 yards in a game since McKenzie Milton passed for 494 yards against Memphis in the American Athletic Conference Championship Game on Dec. 2, 2017.
“From the first snap on, he had his eyes in the right place, he understood his protections and we made a ton of adjustments on the sidelines and he was flawless doing that,” Heupel said of his Gabriel, who improved to10-3 as a starter. “I think that speaks of his growth from Year 1 to Year 2.”
UCF receiver Marlon Williams was one of Gabriel’s preferred targets, recording the third 100-yard receiving game of his career with his 154-yard performance against the Yellow Jackets.
“We followed the game plan and stuck to what we practiced all week,” Williams said. “Their safeties were not that fast, so we did what we were supposed to do, which was run by them.”
Williams wasn’t the only UCF receiver to deliver a breakthrough performance.
Jaylon Robinson, who sat out last season after transferring from Oklahoma, had six catches for 105 yards, including a 48-yard catch in the second quarter.
“I’m super excited about JFlash,” Gabriel said of Robinson. “I told him this is your time to shine and this was his first start in college, and he played a hell of a game. He was picking up yards and making catches. I’m excited to see what he can do down the road.”
UCF picked up five Yellow Jackets turnovers: three fumbles and two interceptions. It’s the second consecutive game during which the Knights’ defense collected five takeaways, including last season’s win over Marshall in the Gasparilla Bowl.
“I’m just glad to be a part of it,” said UCF senior cornerback Richie Grant, who finished with nine tackles and a fumble recovery. “This is so fun the way we are winning and the way that we won tonight. It’s a testament to Georgia Tech; they came out and gave us a fight, but we were clawing and we wanted it more.
“… It’s a testament to the coaches. We’ve been practicing punching the ball out and being in the right passing lanes to be able to get some of those turnovers and we were rewarded tonight, so we’re grateful for that.”
Cornerback Dyllon Lester and true freshman defensive lineman Josh Celiscar accounted for the other two fumble recoveries. Celiscar also had an interception, as did fellow lineman Stephon Zayas.
“It was a blessing to be able to play … with all the guys,” said Zayas, who registered his first career pick in the fourth quarter.
Grant acknowledged trying to play during the coronavirus pandemic is daunting and he seriously considered opting out until the NCAA lifted eligibility restrictions.
“Four months ago, if you had asked me if I was playing football, I would have told you, ‘No,’” Grant said. “I would have told you I was weighing my options at the next level.
“But to be here now, it’s a blessing.”