UCF beats lackluster Rice team behind Weaver’s three scores

On a day where UCF honored greats such as Daunte Culpepper, Joe Burnett and Kevin Smith, it was only fitting that the homecoming game was controlled by the Knights as they blew out the Rice Owls 41-14.

With UCF coming off a long week after back-to-back conference wins on ESPN and Rice's upset win against rival Houston, it was clear going into the game that something had to give.

It was evident from the first play of scrimmage — a 59-yard play-action pass — that UCF wasn't about to let this Rice team pull off another win.

Rice (2-6, 1-3 C-USA) looked less than stellar and fell behind 34-0 before they scored in the third quarter. The Owls offense never got going and finished with 88 yards on the ground, after rushing for minus-4 in the first quarter.

Quarterback Nick Fanuzzi was efficient, going 10 for 14 for 84 yards with a touchdown. Michigan transfer Sam McGuffie was held to a modest 65 yards on 16 carries without a score.    

UCF (5-2, 3-0 C-USA) took no mercy on the Owls, amassing 22 first downs and 391 yards of offense.

The Knights also converted all four of their fourth-down attempts.

Freshman quarterback Jeff Godfrey was 13 of 18 for 178 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

He also had 10 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown, his fifth of the season.

Ronnie Weaver rushed for three touchdowns and 53 yards on 15 carries.

The Knights had the game in control at halftime, taking a 27-0 lead into the break, but they left the starters in the game until the end of the third quarter.

Why UCF won

They were playing Rice.

Sure the UCF offense looked efficient, but the Owls are not a good team. They beat a Houston squad led by its third-string quarterback and without its top receiver.

UCF was able to control the tempo without much resistance from the Rice defense and played its style of football: a ground-and-pound offense.

The Knights defense also played a part in the victory, routinely giving the team good field position and taking pressure off the offense by keeping Rice off the board.

Momentum-changer

The Knights struck 1:30 into the game, when Godfrey punched it in from five yards out.

The touchdown was set up by Godfrey's long pass to Kamar Aiken.

The 59-yard completion was Godfrey's longest of his short career.

The play set the tone for UCF, brought the crowd into the game and a quick score put Rice on its heels early.

Deal-sealer

Halftime. With the Knights up 27-0, everyone on the field and in the stadium knew the game was over.

UCF had all the momentum, a huge advantage, and were just playing better than the Owls.

Noteworthy

— With his 5-yard touchdown run, Godfrey tied Daunte Culpepper for most rushing touchdowns by a true freshman quarterback with five.

— The UCF defense held the Owls to 14 points, the fifth consecutive game the Knights allowed fewer than 20 points.

NC State, which beat the Knights 28-21 on Sept. 11, is the only team to score more than 20 points against the Knights this season.

— The offense is doing its job, outscoring opponents 214-97 (118-35 in conference play), scoring 40 or more points in each of the past two home games.

— The C-USA win streak is up to nine now, as the Knights have won their first three games this season and their last six in 2009.

— With the win over Rice, the Knights are to 17-7 all time — and 12-3 in conference play — at Bright House Networks Stadium

— Senior Ricky Kay's 40-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter made him the 16th Knight to score this season.

— The Knights were 4 for 4 on fourth-down conversions vs Rice. Coming into the game, they were 4 for 8.

— The Knights are off to their hottest start since 1998, when they started 7-1 and finished 9-2.