UCF Knights Football: A Season of Triumph and Disappointment

A Historic Season

The 2023 UCF Knights football season was one of the most successful in program history. The Knights finished the regular season with a 12-0 record, their first undefeated regular season since 2017. They also won the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship Game, their second AAC title in three years.

The Knights' success was due in large part to their high-powered offense, which averaged 41.5 points per game. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was a major catalyst for the offense, rushing for over 1,000 yards and passing for over 3,000 yards. Running back Isaiah Bowser also had a breakout season, rushing for over 1,300 yards and scoring 17 touchdowns.

A Disappointing End

Despite their undefeated regular season, the Knights' season ended in disappointment. They lost to the Tulane Green Wave in the Cotton Bowl Classic, 45-28. The loss snapped the Knights' 25-game winning streak and prevented them from reaching the College Football Playoff.

The Knights' loss to Tulane was a major disappointment, but it should not overshadow the historic season they had. The Knights won their first AAC Championship Game and finished the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2017. They also had one of the most productive offenses in the country. The future is bright for the Knights, and they should be contenders for the AAC title again in 2024.

Key Stats

• Regular season record: 12-0
• AAC Championship Game: Won 45-28 over Tulane
• Cotton Bowl Classic: Lost 45-28 to Tulane
• Points per game: 41.5
• Yards per game: 500.2

Key Players

• John Rhys Plumlee, QB
• Isaiah Bowser, RB
• Kobe Hudson, WR
• Jeremiah Alexander, DE
• Quadric Bullard, LB

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