SMU vs. UCF final: Mustangs lose 42-17

UCF used a strong second-half performance to pull away from SMU on Saturday night, beating the Mustangs 42-17 at BH Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The Knights took a 14-3 lead early in the second quarter following Latavius Murray's first touchdown of the game when the running back took the ball 23 yards for a touchdown. After a Garret Gilbert 4-yard rushing touchdown would bring the Mustangs to within 14-10, Murray's 20-yard scoring scamper gave the Knights a 21-10 lead heading into the second half.

The third quarter would be dominated by UCF, with SMU managing just eight yards of offense thanks to miscues and penalties. The Knights would take advantage, further extending the lead when Jeff Godfrey's 28-yard touchdown pass to Murray gave UCF a commanding 35-10 lead. Blake Bortles' 18-yard touchdown pass to Breshad Perriman would put the game away midway through the fourth quarter.

Gilbert was 16-of-29 for 133 yards and no touchdowns in the game, with SMU managing just 259 yards of total offense in the game.

Box Score Hero: UCF running back Latavius Murray scored three times in the game, rushing for two touchdowns and 155 yards on 23 carries while also catching two balls for 41 yards and a touchdown.

But Did They Cover? The Knights easily covered the 9.5-point spread.

For More On This Game: For more on SMU football, visit SB Nation Dallas. For more on Central Florida football, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay. And you should probably start reading Big East Coast Bias.

Next Week's Schedule: SMU will face Southern Miss on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. ET, while UCF takes on UTWP at 7 p.m. ET.

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This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

SMU vs. UCF: Knights extend lead to 35-10 after 3 quarters

The SMU Mustangs trail the Central Florida Knights, 35-10, after three quarters on Saturday night at BH Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida.

The Knights led 21-10 after halftime thanks to a strong second quarter performance that including two Latavius Murray touchdown runs of 23 and 20 yards, respectively. UCF then opened the second half with a short field after Rannel Hall's 39-yard kickoff return, with the 55-yard drive that was capped by a 10-yard touchdown run by Blake Bortles.

The SMU offense sputtered in the third quarter, gaining just nine yards total across two drives that included several penalties that pushed the team backwards. The Knights took advantage, adding another touchdown late in the quarter after Murray caught a 28-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jeff Godfrey.

Mustangs quarterback Garrett Gilbert, after what had been several strong games in a row, has struggled against the Knights offense. The transfer from Austin is just 10-of-22 in the game for 89 yards and no touchdowns.

SMU vs. UCF: Knights trying to break Mustangs 21-10 at halftime

The University of Central Florida Knights hold a 21-10 lead over the SMU Mustangs at the half as the Knights try to stay unbeaten in Conference USA play.

UCF opened the scoring with 5:39 to go in the first quarter when quarterback Blake Bortles connected with wide receiver Rannell Hall on a 21-yard touchdown completion to make it 7-0. SMU drew a little closer with 1:18 remaining in the quarter, as kicker Chase Hover booted a 32-yard field goal to cut the margin to 7-3 in favor of the Knights.

In the second quarter, UCF pushed their lead forward early. Running back Latavius Murray toted the ball 23 yards for a touchdown, giving the Knights a clean 14-3 advantage. SMU wouldn't go away quietly, however. Quarterback Garrett Gilbert capped a 15-play, 75-yard drive with a four-yard run for a touchdown, leaving the score at 14-10. UCF added a late score as Murray scored on a 20-yard scamper to make it 21-10.

Both teams were very efficient in the first half. SMU converted five of nine third-down opportunities for first downs, while UCF was three of five in similar situations.

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