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.
This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.