The University of Akron Athletics
Zips Rush Past UCF, 35-24
September 16 | Football
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Brandon Payne ran for 138 yards on 25 carries as the Zips defeated
Central Florida, 35-24. (Akron Athletic Communications) |
AKRON, Ohio (September 16, 2000)-- Dwight Smith intercepted three passes and blocked a critical field-goal attempt late in the game to lead Akron to a 35-24 nonconference football win over Central Florida.
The Zips (1-2) picked up their first win of the season and now prepare for their Mid-American East Division opener next Saturday at Ohio. UCF dipped to 1-2.
"I said all week that (Akron) was going to be a mad, angry team, out to prove that they were better than they showed the first two weeks," said UCF coach Mike Kruczek.
As they've done so often in the past, the Zips jumped on the visitors from the opening whistle.
Smith's first INT set up Tony McCray's 11-yard scoring run with 11:09 to play in the first quarter.
On their third possession, the Zips came out throwing. Quarterback Butchie Washington connected with wideout Lavel Bailey on a 55-yard pass play after a fake run and toss back. Four plays later, Washington drilled a seven-yard TD pass to a wide-open Bailey for a 14-0 lead.
UCF answered with nine-play, 70-yard march, capped by Edward Mack's 9-yard scoring run.
Akron struck again on yet another Washington to Bailey aerial -- a 48-yarder with 10:40 to play in the second stanza. Zac Derr punched through his third PAT.
The Golden Knights drove right back down the field and cut it to 21-14 on quarterback Vic Penn's 11-yard scramble around left end.
Converting a fake punt on 4th-and-3 at the UCF 48, the Zips put up their fourth touchdown of the half. Tailback Brandon Payne scored from 2 yards out standing. The Zips moved 81 yards in 15 plays and consumed 5:31. Akron led 28-14 at half.
Payne, the 1999 MAC Freshman of the Year, posted the third 100-yard game of his college career with 138 net yards on 25 carries. His sidekick, senior back Jimmie Gray, had his career high with 111 yards on 16 attempts.
"That may be as talented a football team as we've beaten since I've been here," said an elated Zip coach Lee Owens. "We knew they were going to put up some numbers offensively, but I never dreamed we could have done as well offensively."
The Zips stalled on the opening possession of the second half. After an illegal procedure penalty spoiled Andy Jerdon's first punt, the next snap sailed over Jerdon's head. The Akron punter had the presence of mind to lob a 15-yard pass to Ty Washington, well short of the first down. Penn completed a 22-yard pass to Mack to the Akron 15; but that's where the Zips' defense tightened. Three straight running plays gained five yards and Javier Beorlegui punched through a 27-yard field goal with 10:54 left in the third quarter. Akron 28, UCF 17.
After Beorlegui missed a 50-yarder, the Zips delivered the knockout punch. Washington to Jake Schifino for 29 yards, then two passes of 12 and 9 yards to fullback Matt Zuercher enabled McCray to plunge the final yard for six points. Derr added the PAT and it was Akron 35, UCF 17 with 5:36 left in the third.
The Zips seemed in complete control when Payne lost the ball after a 26-yard run to the UCF 27. Owens argued the fumble call to no avail.
UCF capitalized and pulled to within 35-24 on Penn's 61-yard strike to Jimmy Fryzel with 8:58 to play.
The Zips ate up precious time with their next possession and ran off six straight rushing plays before Jerdon punted.
UCF took over at its own 20 and drove to the Akron 18. Smith came off the corner and blocked Beorlegui's 35-yard field goal try with 3:05 on the clock and effectively ended the Knights' rally.
Penn threw for 306 yards, but was picked off four times. Washington completed 14 of 24 tosses for 243 yards and two scores. Akron's QB topped 5,000 career yards of total offense and is 61 yards short of 5,000 career passing yards.
Smith, a senior corner out of Detroit Central HS and a preseason All-MAC pick, had a monster game with nine tackles, three INTS, one TFL, one pass break-up and the huge blocked field goal. Linebacker Lou Mackey and strong safety Mike Hughes each contributed six stops and one TFL apiece. Whip linebacker Ed March had his first career interception.
"Dwight lived up to everything people have been saying about him," said Owens. "The blocked field goal was as important as any of the three interceptions. I'm glad he's on our team."
Bailey wound up with six receptions for 131 yards and two scores. He is 56 yards shy of 2,000 receiving yards for his career. "(Akron) is a very fast team," said Kruczek. "They were a lot faster on turf than they looked the first two weeks."
The Zips finished with 507 yards of total offense -- their first
500-yard game since 530 vs. Bowling Green last season and second
400-yard game this season. UCF totaled 432 yards. Each team had 26
first downs. The Zips held the ball 36:00 compared to 24:00 for
UCF.
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