Orlando, FL - With 11 new starters on offense and only two returning starters on the other side of the ball, this year will be filled with a lot of learning opportunities for the Golden Flashes. The first lesson was a tough pill to swallow, as they were defeated handily Thursday night at the hands of the UCF Knights, 56-6.
The positives were few and far between for the Flashes, as they began a new era under first-time head coach Kenni Burns. UCF, fresh off their move from Conference USA to the Big 12, started their newfound era with a lopsided victory whose result was decided rather early. After the first 15 minutes of play, the Knights held a 14-3 lead. UCF would score 14 in each quarter, holding the Golden Flashes to two field goals in the 1st and 3rd quarters.
"It's one game, we've just got to come back and we've got to respond. We're a better football team than we showed today and they know that. It (The mood) was a down locker room but like I told them, 'it's one game'. Now you get a chance to respond to be the best you can possibly be looking forward." Head Coach Kenni Burns
The Knights amassed 723 yards on the night, a staggering 8.9 yards per play. Senior Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was 22/30 through the air for 281 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 90 yards and a TD on the ground. If the Flashes can hang their hat on anything from this week 1 defeat, it's that they caused 3 turnovers (2 INT, 1 Fumble). Leading the Knights on the ground was Senior Running Back Johnny Richardson (12 att. 100 yards).
For Kent State, Purdue transfer and recently named starter Junior Michael Alaimo was 12/31 through the air for 145 yards and 1 interception. Leading the way on the ground was Sophomore Gavin Garcia with 45 yards on 18 attempts.
For the defense, the fumble was recovered by Sophomore Defensive Lineman Stephen Daley, while the interceptions went to Grad Student CB D.J. Miller Jr. and fellow Grad Student LB Nick Giacolone.
The Golden Flashes remain on the road for week 2, as they head to Arkansas to take on the RazorBacks on September 9th at 4:00 pm, broadcast on the SEC Network.
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