The University of Akron Athletics
University of Akron
UCF
Football Falls at UCF in Season Opener
August 29 | Football
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ORLANDO, Fla. – The University of Akron football team dropped a 38-7 decision to UCF on Thursday in the season opener for both squads at Bright House Networks Stadium.
UCF (1-0) led 24-0 at halftime and scored on a pair of short runs in the third quarter to make up its final tally.
Akron (0-1) spoiled the shutout in the final minute of the contest when backup quarterback Nick Hirschman connected with Imani Davis on an 11-yard strike. That concluded a 10-play, 77-yard drive for the Zips, who ended the night with 250 yards of total offense.
Hirschman was 2-of-4 passing for the game, with the final series serving as his only action. Starting UA quarterback Kyle Pohl completed 16-of-21 passes for 98 yards and threw one interception.
Freshman Fransohn Bickley led the Akron receiving corps with three catches for 26 yards, while fellow rookie Mykel Traylor-Bennett had 25 yards on three catches. Conor Hundley rushed for 50 yards on 10 attempts, with much of his production coming after intermission.
Blake Bortles led the Knights offense, completing 18-of-24 passes for 314 yards and three TDs. His favorite target for the night was Breshad Perriman, who had three catches for 113 yards and one touchdown reception.
The Knights opened the scoring on the second play of the game when Bortles connected on a 91-yard pass to Perriman, then Bortles finished a 12-play, 91-yard series by finding Rannell Hall on the end of a 19-yard pass late in the first quarter.
Both Jatavis Brown and Justin March had a team-high six tackles for the Zips, while Nico Caponi had two sacks. Nordly Capi and Dylan Evans also posted one sack apiece for UA.
Akron takes on James Madison in its home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. ET at InfoCision Stadium – Summa Field.
Season and single-game tickets as well as mini-plans are on sale, and can be purchased online anytime at ZipsTickets.com, or from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET on Mondays through Fridays by either calling 1-888-99-AKRON (25766) or visiting The C.P. and Cornelia S. Chima Athletics Ticket Office at InfoCision Stadium - Summa Field.
