Strong efforts on both sides of the ball allowed Wolfpack Football to take control early and hold on late to top the Knights of Central Florida in their own backyard by a final score of 34-27.

In spite of a midseason season four game losing skid, second year head coach Dave Doeren was able to right the ship and win four of the final five games to close the ’14 season.

The bowl victory vs UCF gives the Pack its 8th win in the 2014 campaign, a +5 turnaround from a year ago.

The Pack carries a three game winning streak, not to mention some much sought after momentum, into the offseason.

Pack Wins 2014 Bitcoin St. Petersburg Bowl with 34-27 Win (GoPack.com)

WOLFPACK DRIVE OF THE GAME – 1st Half

9 plays, 75-yard TD drive on first offensive possession. For the ninth time in the 13 games this season, the Pack took its opening possession down the field and put points on the scoreboard. After UCF opened with a field goal, the Pack responded with a touchdown to take an early 7-3 lead. The Pack went 75 yards (29 rush, 46 pass) in nine plays, finished off with running back’s Shadrach Thornton’s first career passing attempt going for a 19-yard score to freshman Jaylen Samuels. WOLFPACK DRIVE OF THE GAME – 2nd Half

9 plays, 75-yard TD drive on first offensive possession. Just like the opening drive of the first half, the Pack took its opening possession of the third quarter and went 75 yards in nine plays to extend upon its halftime lead to 24-10. Matt Dayes found a hole in the middle of the field and went 24 yards for his seventh rushing score of the season.

More to come…