Fans everywhere in UCF’s camp observed this road contest in Tampa against the USF Bulls as more of a traditional formality. Like Thanksgiving Day turkey and Black Friday shopping, the War on I-4 seemed like it would be a victory as routine as a long car ride to visit relatives this time of year. All that changed when the Knights star under center, McKenzie Milton, went down in the second quarter with a horrific knee injury. While UCF held on for their 24th straight win, it likely came at the expense of postseason success.

The defense did their job standing fast against the running of the Bulls. While USF’s Johnny Ford recorded 120 yards on the ground with 16 carries, UCF extended their streak of games with a turnover to 30. Their tone of dominance was best exemplified by their stalling of the home team’s second and third drives. First, defensive back Richie Grant flew in to record an interception that was quickly negated when Milton threw one of his own within the next series. The Knights front then shut down a fourth-down run on their three-yard line to complete a goal line stand that swung the momentum to the offense leading to an early 7-0 lead.

In the absence of his starting quarterback, running back Greg McCrae took the team on his back to support backup Darriel Mack Jr. McCrae tore up 181 yards of turf on 16 carries with three touchdowns.

Based on this contest, the Memphis Tigers, who punched their ticket into the AAC Championship by beating the Houston Cougars, can predict what they will be seeing against UCF as the East’s representatives on December 1st. Head Coach Josh Heupel will be challenged to find a way to be creative with an offense that now lacks one of its dimensions moving the chains. The defense will also be similarly challenged once again having to face one of the best running backs in the nation in Memphis’ Darrell Henderson for the fourth time in two seasons.

Kyle Nash, known as The Student of the Game, covers UCF Football for SportsMediaPass.com and is a special contributor for Break the Fourth. He’s a also a writer for the DolphinsWire of USA Today and co-host of the DinnerTime and Default Assault podcasts.