The UCF Knights forced four turnovers and took a lead to the fourth quarter. That was not enough. The Temple Owls steamrolled the UCF Knights anyway.
The Temple Owls turned the ball over four times. The UCF Knights won special teams, forcing two turnovers and keeping the game tight — leading 16-14 entering the fourth quarter.
This was their opportunity. Their opponent had given them a chance to overcome their own mistakes and stay in a game. Their opponent had let the bad team hang around. All UCF had to do was finish the job. Put the demons of six straight losses and missed opportunities and poor execution behind them.
The Knights just did not have it in them in the end.
The Owls scored 16 points in the fourth quarter, winning 30-16 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia on Saturday.
Jahad Thomas and Temple’s run game were simply too much as Temple continued its historic season.
Thomas scored both those touchdowns in the fourth quarter, his first from 22 yards early in the fourth quarter to give Temple the lead back. He scored again from 21 yards out later in the fourth quarter and nearly had a third as the Owls just poured it on.
Thomas finished with 199 yards on 31 carries, scoring three touchdowns. The Knights had no answer for his rushing attack and then no answer on offense. UCF managed just 134 total yards. Justin Holman threw for only 67 yards, completing 10 of 31 passes.
The Knights’ lone touchdown came on an 81-yard interception return from Shaquille Griffin in the second quarter. Otherwise, UCF scored one field goal on a sustained drive, the opening drive of the second half and set up its other field goal on a fumbled punt by Robby Anderson late in the second quarter.
UCF had its own turnover issues. Holman threw two more interceptions. It was back to an offense that could not produce and could not give the defense to support.
That is the recipe for a running back to break through in the fourth quarter and wear a team down.
Thomas ran 14 times for 123 yards along with his two touchdowns as the Owls dominated the fourth quarter. That is the definition of the season. The Knights could have some good moments, but they also are unable to take advantage of the moments when they come. The offense just cannot move the ball.
Holman’s experience is clearly not enough. Either that or he is simply not healthy enough to contribute fully. And the fact he still seems better than the alternative says all that needs to be said about the season.
UCF does not have an easy road. The team has the talent, but should not be favored in any game the rest of the way. A winless season is frustratingly in focus.
If a win cannot be giftwrapped through turnovers, defense and special teams play, then how can UCF win? The Knights have to find a new way. All the other ways have not worked.
And meanwhile, the team has another game to prepare for. And another opportunity to salvage something.
