Hughes continues to boost Knights

Junior defensive back Mike Hughes continues to make a major impact this season. The junior-college transfer made a couple big plays for the Knights during their 73-33 win over Austin Peay Saturday.

After the Governors mounted a nearly-seven-minute drive to tie the game 7-7, the Knights responded immediately when Hughes returned the ensuing kickoff for a 91-yard touchdown.

“Mike’s been an unbelievable addition for our football team and he continues to make play on defense and special teams,” UCF coach Scott Frost said. “We’re lucky to have him on the team and he’s one of our best players.”

Hughes also had a big defensive play for the Knights later in the game.

After an Austin Peay receiver caught a pass and broke free, it looked like he was going to run the length of the field. But after 74 yards, Hughes managed to catch the receiver and brought him down at the 21-yard line.

“I saw the play on the other side break,” Hughes “And I just tried to chase it down.”

Hughes was named American Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Week following his performance against the Governors and became the fourth Knight to earn a weekly AAC award so far this season.

Next game: No. 18 UCF at SMU, Saturday, ESPN2

Christian Simmons 7:15 said. p.m.,