Missed opportunities lead to loss

 Missed opportunities became the story of the day for Knights as they fell to the Buckeyes 31-16 in Columbus, Ohio.

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Blake Bortles was up and down all game, throwing for two touchdowns and three interceptions.

The Knights had opportunities to take control of the game, but couldn't convert, the biggest coming in the third quarter.

After a Bortles’ two-yard touchdown pass to fullback Billy Giovanetti, defensive back A.J. Bouye intercepted a  Braxton Miller pass at the Buckeye 36-yard line.

UCF drove the ball deep into Ohio State territory with the chance to cut the deficit to eight points, but Bortles threw an interception inside the 10-yard line to Orhian Johnson.

"Basically, we played sporadically," head coach George O'Leary said in a release. "You can't turn the ball over against good football teams. Obviously, Ohio State's a very good football team. We didn't tackle very well. Too many missed tackles. They have athletes that make you miss. Everything they talk about with Braxton Miller is accurate."

Miller dominated the game, completing 19 of 25 passes for 168 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Miller also carried the ball 27 times for 140 yards and three touchdowns.

Miller burst through the middle of the UCF defense on the Ohio State opening possession, finishing with a 37-yard touchdown run.

Despite missing starting tailback Latavius Murray, the Knights posted 99 yards rushing. Storm Johnson had 12 carries for 75 yards, including a 48-yard scamper down the sideline. Brynn Harvey ran hard all game, finishing with 7 carries for 36 yards.

Harvey had a highlight reel carry, pushing a pile of Knights and Buckeyes a full 10 extra yards.

Justin Tukes caught a one-yard touchdown to put the Knights on the board in the second quarter.

Bortles finished the game 25 of 40 for 253 yards.

The UCF defense had highs and lows throughout the afternoon. Kemal Ishamel recovered a fumble and Bouye's interception composed the Knights two takeaways.

The Knights play FIU next Saturday at 4 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium.