ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Central Florida will head into the new-look Big East off an impressive showing in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Central Florida will head into the new-look Big East off an impressive showing in the Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Bowl.
The Knights dominated Ball State 38-17 on Friday night in their final game as a member of Conference USA, amassing 494 yards total offense while holding the high-scoring Cardinals to their lowest point total of the season.
“Offensively, this is one of the best games we had all year,” quarterback Blake Bortles said. “Everyone just really picked up and went, and that’s why we won the way we did.”
Bortles threw for 271 yards and three touchdowns. The redshirt sophomore also rushed for a career-high 80 yards and scored on a 6-yard run that helped UCF (10-4) build a 21-point halftime lead.
“I’m really impressed with (Bortles) and what he did and can do,” Ball State coach Pete Lembo said. “He moved the ball downfield very easily, and I’m sure they’re excited to have him back for another two years.”
Bortles tossed first-half TD passes 7 and 5 yards to Latavius Murray, who also scored on a 2-yard run. J.J. Worton’s 7-yard scoring reception made 35-10 late in the third quarter.