2017 UCF Knights football team

The 2017 UCF Spring game was held Saturday April 22 at the Bounce House. The team was split into two squads. Team UCFast consisted mostly of the first team offense and defense, and UCFierce was made up of second team players.{{cite web|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/4/19/football-set-for-spring-game.aspx?path=football|title=Knights Set for Saturday's Spring Game|website=UCF Athletics|date=April 19, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055324/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/4/19/football-set-for-spring-game.aspx?path=football|archive-date=November 7, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-spring-game-0423-story.html|title=UCF QB McKenzie Milton shows improvement during spring game|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Shannon|last=Green|date=April 22, 2017|access-date=October 30, 2017}}

UCF announced its 2017 football schedule on February 9, 2017. The 2017 schedule originally consisted of seven home and five away games in the regular season. The Knights were set to host conference foes UConn, East Carolina, Memphis, and South Florida and were to travel to Cincinnati, Navy, SMU, and Temple.{{cite press release|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/2/9/2017-football-schedule.aspx?path=football|title=2017 Football Schedule Unveiled|date=February 9, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|website=UCF Athletics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317143138/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/2/9/2017-football-schedule.aspx?path=football|archive-date=March 17, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

The Knights also hosted one of their two non-conference opponents, FIU from Conference USA, and traveled to Maryland from the Big Ten. UCF was scheduled to host games against Georgia Tech from the ACC, and Maine from the Colonial Athletic Association, before Hurricane Irma caused the Georgia Tech game to be canceled and the Memphis home game to be rescheduled over the Maine game. On September 21, 2017, UCF added a home game against the FCS Austin Peay Governors for October 28.{{cite press release|title=Knights Add 6th Home Game|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/21/football-knights-add-6th-home-game.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=November 24, 2017|date=September 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922024340/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/21/football-knights-add-6th-home-game.aspx|archive-date=September 22, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

File:ECU at UCF (37066103803).jpg

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 2017

| rankdivision = NCAA Division I FBS

| poll = AP Poll (and CFP Rankings, after October 31) - Released prior to game

| timezone = Eastern

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|August 31|Thursday}}

| time = 6:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = FIU

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = CBSSN

| score = 61–17

| attend = 38,063

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 16

| time = 7:30 p.m.

| w/l =

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = Georgia Tech

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ESPNews

| score = Cancelled{{efn|The Georgia Tech game was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma.{{cite press release|title=Following Irma, UCF – Georgia Tech Called Off|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/11/football-ucf-georgia-tech-called-off.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=November 24, 2017|date=September 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911210214/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/11/football-ucf-georgia-tech-called-off.aspx|archive-date=September 11, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}}}

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 23

| time = 3:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| away = y

| rank =

| opponent = Maryland

| site_stadium = Maryland Stadium

| site_cityst = College Park, MD

| tv = FS1

| score = 38–10

| attend = 33,280

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 30{{efn|The Memphis-UCF game, originally scheduled for September 9 at 8:00 pm, was moved on September 5, to September 8 with a 6:30pm kickoff due to Hurricane Irma.{{cite press release|title=UCF vs. Memphis Moves to Friday with a 6:30 pm|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/5/friday-football.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=September 5, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905192311/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/5/friday-football.aspx|archive-date=September 5, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The game was then cancelled on September 8 out of caution from the threat of the hurricane.{{cite press release|title=UCF-Memphis Called Off: Hurricane Irma Forces Game to Be Called Off|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/8/football-ucf-memphis-called-off.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|language=en|date=September 8, 2017|access-date=September 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170909205520/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/8/football-ucf-memphis-called-off.aspx|archive-date=September 9, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The teams announced on September 14 that the game had been moved to September 30, taking the place of the Maine-UCF game.{{cite press release|title=Game On – UCF vs. Memphis|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/14/football-game-on-ucf-vs-memphis.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=September 14, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916010809/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/14/football-game-on-ucf-vs-memphis.aspx|archive-date=September 16, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}}}

| time = 7:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank =

| opponent = Memphis

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ESPN2

| score = 40–13

| attend = 34,022

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 30

| time = 6:30 p.m.

| w/l =

| nonconf = y

| rank =

| opponent = Maine

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ESPN3

| score = Cancelled{{efn|The Maine game was cancelled to make room for the conference match-up against Memphis, which was postponed due to Hurricane Irma.}}

| attend =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 7

| time = 8:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 25

| opponent = Cincinnati

| gamename = rivalry

| site_stadium = Nippert Stadium

| site_cityst = Cincinnati, OH

| tv = ESPNU

| score = 51–23{{efn|name=Cincinnati|The Cincinnati game was delayed for lightning with four seconds left in the third quarter. After the delay lasted over an hour, the American Athletic Conference cancelled the rest of the game.{{cite news|title=No. 25 UCF routs Cincinnati 51–23 in rain-shortened game|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941816|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=October 8, 2017|first=Joe|last=Kay|access-date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=MacDougall|first1=Ian|title=Bearcat Beatdown|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/7/football-bearcat-beatdown.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=October 7, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104183407/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/7/football-bearcat-beatdown.aspx?path=football|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}}}

| attend = 27,253

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 14

| time = 7:15 p.m.

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| rank = 22

| opponent = East Carolina

| gamename =

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = CBSSN

| score = 63–21

| attend = 40,287

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 21

| time = 3:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 20

| opponent = Navy

| site_stadium = Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Annapolis, MD

| tv = CBSSN

| score = 31–21

| attend = 35,277

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 28{{efn|name=Austin Peay|The NCAA approved a waiver for Austin Peay to add a game to its schedule and visit UCF on October 28, giving them a sixth home game.}}

| time = 5:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 18

| opponent = Austin Peay (FCS)

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ESPN3

| score = 73–33

| attend = 27,606

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 4

| time = 7:15 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 18

| opponent = SMU

| site_stadium = Gerald J. Ford Stadium

| site_cityst = Dallas, TX

| tv = ESPN2

| score = 31–24

| attend = 24,445

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 11

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 18

| opponent = UConn

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| gamename = Civil Conflict

| tv = ESPNU

| score = 49–24

| attend = 29,384

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 18

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 15

| opponent = Temple

| site_stadium = Lincoln Financial Field

| site_cityst = Philadelphia, PA

| tv = ESPNU

| score = 45–19

| attend = 25,877 

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|November 24|Friday}}

| time = 3:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 15

| opponent = South Florida

| opprank = 22

| gamename = War on I-4

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ABC{{cite tweet|author=UCF Football|user=UCF_Football |number=930117463878008833|date=November 13, 2017|title=All 👀 on Orlando Nov. 24 #WarOnI4|access-date=November 24, 2017}}

| score = 49–42

| attend = 47,129

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = December 2

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 14

| opponent = Memphis

| opprank = 20

| gamename = The American Championship

| site_stadium = Spectrum Stadium

| site_cityst = Orlando, FL

| tv = ABC

| score = 62–55

| overtime = 2OT

| attend = 41,433

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = {{tooltip|January 1, 2018|Monday}}

| time = 12:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| rank = 12

| opponent = Auburn

| opprank = 7

| gamename = Peach Bowl

| site_stadium = Mercedes-Benz Stadium

| site_cityst = Atlanta, GA

| tv = ESPN

| score = 34–27

| attend = 71,109

}}

}}

{{cite web|title=2017 UCF Knights Football Schedule|url=http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-17/2017-ucf-knights-football-schedule.php|publisher=FB Schedules|access-date=November 24, 2017}}

{{Further|2017 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS CFP ranking movements

| year = {{2017}}

| finalpollweek = 15

| cfpfirstweek = 9

| AP_pre = NR

| coaches_pre = NR

| AP_1 = NR

| coaches_1 = RV

| AP_2 = NR

| coaches_2 = RV

| AP_3 = NR

| coaches_3 = NR

| AP_4 = RV

| coaches_4 = RV

| AP_5 = 25

| coaches_5 = 25

| AP_6 = 22

| coaches_6 = 21

| AP_7 = 20

| coaches_7 = 20

| AP_8 = 18

| coaches_8 = 17

| AP_9 = 15

| coaches_9 = 14

| cfp_9 = 18

| AP_10 = 14

| coaches_10 = 12

| cfp_10 = 18

| AP_11 = 14

| coaches_11 = 12

| cfp_11 = 15

| AP_12 = 13

| coaches_12 = 12

| cfp_12 = 15

| AP_13 = 12

| coaches_13 = 11

| cfp_13 = 14

| AP_14 = 10

| coaches_14 = 10

| cfp_14 = 12

| AP_15 = 6 (4)

| coaches_15 = 7

}}

In just his second season as head coach, and just two years removed from the winless 2015 campaign,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400764918|title=USF over UCF 44–3|work=ESPN.com|date=November 26, 2015|access-date=January 22, 2018}} head coach Scott Frost aimed to continue the UCF football teams's turnaround. Frost had brought the team six wins in 2016, making them bowl-eligible.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400869557|title=Turnovers help lift UCF over Cincinnati 24–3|work=ESPN.com|date=November 12, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2018}}{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400903611|title=Arkansas State routs UCF 31–13 in Cure Bowl|work=ESPN.com|date=December 18, 2016|access-date=January 22, 2018}} Going into 2017, the team looked to build on their momentum.

The Knights opened their season with a lopsided victory against FIU;{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400938591|title=UCF routs FIU 61–17, spoiling Butch Davis' return|work=ESPN.com|date=August 31, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} however, days later, the season was temporarily put on hiatus due to Hurricane Irma.{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/education/school-zone/os-hurricane-irma-ucf-national-guard-20170912-story.html|title=Hurricane Irma: UCF hosts National Guard|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Annie|last=Martin|date=September 12, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} Two games were canceled, and one was able to be rescheduled. After a 22-day layoff, the Knights had an impressive win at Maryland,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400935361|title=Central Florida breezes past QB-depleted Maryland 38–10|work=ESPN.com|date=September 24, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} leading to a much-anticipated intra-conference meeting against 3–0 Memphis. The Knights soundly beat the Memphis Tigers,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400985406|title=Milton, Killins lead UCF to 40–13 win over Memphis|work=ESPN.com|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} establishing themselves as the new front-runner in the AAC. The Knights entered both the AP and Coaches Polls, and later in October, they were also ranked in the CFP rankings.

Statistically, the Knights were the top scoring team in the nation (48.2 points per game),{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats/team|title=FBS (I-A) Team Total Offense Statistics – 2017 (Sorted PTS/G)|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 22, 2018}} and finished 5th in yards per game (530).{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/stats/team|title=FBS (I-A) Team Total Offense Statistics – 2017 (Sorted YDS/G)|work=ESPN.com|access-date=January 22, 2018}} With blowout wins against Cincinnati, East Carolina, and Austin Peay, along with closer, pivotal wins against Navy and SMU, the Knights were 10–0 entering the final game of the regular season.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400941844|title=No. 14 UCF rolls Temple 45–19, heads to War on I-4 unbeaten|work=ESPN.com|date=November 18, 2018|access-date=January 22, 2018}} The Knights hosted rival South Florida on Black Friday to decide the AAC East Division crown. In a shootout game described by some observers as one of the best games of the college football season, the Knights won the game 49–42.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400941849|title=No. 12 UCF caps perfect regular season with win over USF|work=ESPN.com|date=November 24, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}

The Knights finished the regular season 11–0, the program's first ever undefeated regular season. With the win, UCF would host the AAC Championship game. The school set an NCAA mark by becoming the first team to go from a winless regular season (2015) to an undefeated regular season in only two years. The team set school records for most consecutive games won, most points in a single game, and saw many players and coaches receive individual superlative awards.

In the latter weeks of the regular season, fueled by the team's success on the field, media reports began surfacing about the possibility of head coach Scott Frost departing UCF for another school.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/11/01/scott-frost-florida-nebraska-kevin-sumlin |title=If Scott Frost Had His Pick of Power 5 Jobs, Where Would He Go?|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Andy|last=Staples|date=November 1, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}}{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-scott-frost-nebraska-gators-20171125-story.html|title=UCF tries to hold onto Scott Frost as Nebraska job opens, Chip Kelly spurns UF|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Iliana|last=Limón Romero|date=November 25, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} Frost, the former national championship winning quarterback at Nebraska, had expressed personal interest in the Cornhuskers head coaching job, and it incidentally became available in November. Frost was also rumored for some of the many higher-profile vacancies, including Florida, Tennessee, and others. Nebraska athletic officials actively targeted Frost in their coaching search,{{cite news|url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ncaafb/nebraska-ad-admits-scott-frost-is-a-target-in-coaching-search/ar-BBFD8Vn|title=Nebraska AD admits Scott Frost is a target in coaching search|publisher=msn.com|work=Larry Brown Sports|first=Grey|last=Papke|date=November 25, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} and after Frost shot down rumors of going to Florida,{{cite news|url=http://www.wtsp.com/sports/source-frost-turns-down-gators-coaching-job-uf-now-looks-at-mullen/494722167|title=Source: Frost turns down Gators coaching job; UF now looks at Mullen|publisher=WTSP|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}}{{Dead link|date=March 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} it became clear Frost's future would be either at Nebraska, or continuing at UCF.

Despite the ongoing coaching rumors, UCF went on to win the AAC Championship game in dramatic fashion. The game was a rematch against Memphis, but this time the game was a shootout. The Knights prevailed 62–55 in double overtime.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap/_/gameId/400955151|title=No. 12 UCF captures AAC title over No. 16 Memphis in 2 OTs|work=ESPN.com|date=December 3, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} The win cemented UCF as the top Group of Five school in the nation, clinching them an automatic berth in a New Year's Six bowl game. Despite their unblemished 12–0 record up to that point, the Knights were not named to the College Football Playoff top four, and effectively could not play for the CFP National Championship. The Knights were paired against No. 7 Auburn in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on New Year's Day.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21654912/2017-cfp-new-year-six-bowl-games-announced|title=2017's bowl games announced, highlighted by big New Year's Six|work=ESPN.com|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=January 22, 2018}} Auburn had notably defeated No. 1 Alabama in the Iron Bowl, but lost the SEC Championship to Georgia a week later, slipping out of the CFP themselves.

A day after winning the AAC, head coach Scott Frost was formally introduced as the new head coach of Nebraska, as had been widely speculated.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/ucfs-scott-frost-agrees-to-seven-year-deal-to-become-nebraskas-next-coach/|title=UCF's Scott Frost agrees to seven-year deal to become Nebraska's next coach|work=CBS Sports|first=Ben|last=Kercheval|date=December 2, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} UCF immediately named offensive coordinator Troy Walters as the interim head coach. Frost would be taking nearly his entire staff with him to Nebraska, potentially leaving UCF without a coaching staff for the bowl season. The newly introduced NCAA early signing period fueled Nebraska's urgency of hiring Frost, as school officials were anxious for Frost to begin recruiting immediately. Meanwhile, UCF named Josh Heupel their new head coach,{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/12/05/ucf-tabs-josh-heupel-to-be-knights-next-football-coach/108334548/|title=UCF tabs Josh Heupel to be Knights' next football coach|newspaper=USA Today|date=December 5, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} but stopped short of committing Heupel to coaching in the bowl. After several days of uncertainty,{{cite news|url=http://www.al.com/auburnfootball/index.ssf/2017/12/scott_frost_trying_to_work_it.html|title=Scott Frost 'trying to work it out' to coach UCF in Peach Bowl against Auburn|publisher=AL.com|first=James|last=Crepea|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} and mild controversy,{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/george-diaz-en-fuego/os-sp-scott-frost-peach-bowl-20171206-story.html|title=Commentary: Scott Frost coaching Peach Bowl an awkward look for UCF|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=George|last=Diaz|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} an agreement was reached such that Frost and his staff would return to UCF to coach the bowl game.{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-ucf-peach-bowl-mike-bianchi-1213-story.html|title= Commentary: Hallelujah! Scott Frost is back where he belongs – coaching his UCF Knights in the Peach Bowl|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=December 12, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} Despite the difficulty of juggling two teams at once,{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/21860609/how-scott-frost-managed-crazy-month-coaching-nebraska-cornhuskers-ucf-knights|title=Scott Frost's crazy month juggling Nebraska and UCF|work=ESPN.com|date=December 27, 2017|access-date=January 23, 2018}} Frost was committed to coaching UCF in the Peach Bowl, and called finishing out the UCF job as the 'right thing to do.'{{cite news|url=http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=21932244|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180216030309/http://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=21932244|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 16, 2018|title=Frost: Finishing UCF job is 'right thing to do'|work=ESPN.com|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}

The Knights defeated the Auburn Tigers in the Peach Bowl 34–27, completing a perfect 13–0 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/01/01/milton-powers-no-10-ucf-to-34-27-peach-bowl-win-over-auburn/109082620/|title=Central Florida completes perfect season with defeat of Auburn in Peach Bowl|newspaper=USA Today|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} In the aftermath, UCF athletic director Danny White created a stir when he publicly proclaimed UCF the national champions,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/01/01/ucf-football-undefeated-national-champions-danny-white|title=UCF Athletic Director Proclaims Knights National Champions After Win Over Auburn|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Dan|last=Gartland|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} despite the CFP championship game still being one week away.{{cite news |last=Tracy |first=Marc |date=January 3, 2018 |title=Central Florida Claims a National Title. Want to Fight About It? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/03/sports/central-florida-claims-a-national-title-want-to-fight-about-it.html |work=The New York Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104172418/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/03/sports/central-florida-claims-a-national-title-want-to-fight-about-it.html |archive-date=January 4, 2018 |url-status=live}} Several other outlets followed suit, including the Orlando Sentinel,{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/os-sp-ucf-peach-bowl-mike-bianchi-0102-story.html|title= Commentary: After Peach Bowl win over Auburn, UCF is the real national champion|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=January 1, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} WYGM,{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/open-mike/os-sp-ucf-champions-block-party-mike-bianchi-0109-story.html|title= Commentary: Presenting UCF with national championship trophy is what sports journalism is all about|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Mike|last=Bianchi|date=January 8, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} Prince George Journal,{{cite news|url=http://www.theprincegeorgejournal.com/news/prince-george-journal-names-central-florida-knights-fbs-champs/|title=Prince George Journal names Central Florida Knights FBS Champs|publisher=The Prince George Journal|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=January 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180107211144/http://www.theprincegeorgejournal.com/news/prince-george-journal-names-central-florida-knights-fbs-champs/|url-status=dead}} and the Colley Matrix.{{cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/from-the-sports-editor/os-sp-ucf-national-champions-colley-matrix-0109-story.html|title=National champions: UCF Knights finish season ranked No. 1 in Colley Matrix|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|first=Roger|last=Simmons|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} Other national media outlets debated the issue over the next several days. UCF received four first place votes in the final AP Poll, and placed 6th overall.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/01/09/final-ap-poll-alabama-georgia-ucf|title=Alabama No. 1 in Final AP Poll; UCF Finishes 6th|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Scooby|last=Axson|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} The Knights were honored with a parade at Walt Disney World, a block party in downtown Orlando at Church Street Station, and were presented with the Key to the City by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/22011039/ucf-knights-celebrate-their-national-championship-well|title=The national championship celebration before the title game|work=ESPN.com|first=Andrea|last=Adelson|date=January 9, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}} Florida Governor Rick Scott signed a resolution officially recognizing the Knights as national champions on January 8, and later in the month, the Knights were honored at the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl.{{cite news|url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/01/23/nfl-to-recognize-undefeated-ucf-team-at-the-pro-bowl/|title=NFL to recognize undefeated UCF team at the Pro Bowl|publisher=NBC Sports|first=Michael David|last=Smith|date=January 23, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018}}

Off the field, UCF's home stadium changed its name to Spectrum Stadium, reflecting the acquisition of Bright House Networks by Charter Communications, and subsequent re-branding as Spectrum.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Panthers

|R1=7|R2=3|R3=7|R4=0

|Home=Knights

|H1=14|H2=26|H3=14|H4=7

}}

{{see also|2017 FIU Panthers football team}}

The Knights opened the season on Thursday night against FIU. It was the start of the second season for head coach Scott Frost at UCF, as well as the first game for FIU under head coach Butch Davis. The Knights routed the Panthers, as the offense racked up 587 yards, and quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 360 yards and four touchdown passes (22 yards, 50 yards, 3 yards, 13 yards, respectively). There were four rushing touchdowns, including a 51-yard run by Napoleon Maxwell in the third quarter. The UCF defense forced three fumbles, an interception, a safety, and four 3-and-outs by the Panthers offense.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Knights

|R1=0 |R2=14 |R3=7 |R4=17

|Home=Terrapins

|H1=3 |H2=0 |H3=7 |H4=0

}}

{{see also|2017 Maryland Terrapins football team}}

After a 22-day layoff due to Hurricane Irma, UCF was back on the field in Week 4. With the teams coming into the matchup ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in scoring (61 points for UCF and 57 points for Maryland) and having gone to double overtime in their meeting last year, the game was expected to be close. After a slow start for both teams, Maryland's backup quarterback, Kasim Hill, was injured and taken off the field in the first quarter.{{cite news|title=Central Florida breezes past QB-depleted Maryland 38–10|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400935361|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|first=David|last=Ginsburg|date=September 24, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} While the Terrapins were able to score the opening field goal at the end of that drive,{{cite web|title=UCF vs. Maryland – Play-By-Play|date=September 23, 2017|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400935361|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 24, 2017}} they could not contain the Knights offense much longer, as the offense combined for 428 total yards. Meanwhile, the Knights defense overpowered the Terrapins on offense, keeping the Terrapins to 42 rushing yards, while the Knights picked off third string quarterback Max Bortenschlager twice, returning one for a touchdown.{{cite web|title=Terp Takedown|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/23/football-recap-terp-takedown.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|last=MacDougall|first=Ian|date=September 23, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925170556/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/23/football-recap-terp-takedown.aspx?path=football|archive-date=September 25, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Tigers

|R1=7 |R2=0 |R3=0 |R4=6

|Home=Knights

|H1=6 |H2=17 |H3=7 |H4=10

}}

{{see also|2017 Memphis Tigers football team}}

After having their scheduled game on September 10 canceled due to Hurricane Irma, the two schools arranged to reschedule their game for September 30. It was the conference opener for both teams. Both UCF and Memphis came into the matchup undefeated, with Memphis winning three previous games and UCF winning their two previous games. After a slow start to the game, the Knights ended up with 603 total yards and one turnover,{{cite news|title=Milton, Killins lead UCF to 40–13 win over Memphis|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/09/30/milton-killins-lead-ucf-to-40-13-win-over-memphis/106181488/|work=USA TODAY|agency=Associated Press|date=September 30, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} versus Memphis' 396 total yards and four turnovers.{{cite web|last=MacDougall|first=Ian|title=Mauling Memphis|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/30/football-mauling-memphis.aspx|date=September 30, 2017|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120542/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/9/30/football-mauling-memphis.aspx|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 253 yards and three touchdown passes, while running back Adrian Killins Jr. scored two rushing touchdowns. Killins set a UCF record with a 96-yard touchdown run, the longest rushing touchdown in school history. After the game, UCF entered both the AP Poll and the Coaches Poll at No. 25.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 25 Knights

|R1=20 |R2=17 |R3=14 |R4=0

|Home=Bearcats

|H1=7 |H2=9 |H3=7 |H4=0

}}

{{see also|2017 Cincinnati Bearcats football team}}

UCF opened the game with two quick touchdowns, with both possessions totaling one minute and 32 seconds of game time, while holding Cincinnati to one touchdown in their first two possession. While the Knights defense let the Bearcats score more points than any of the Knights previous opponents, they also recorded one interception, a blocked PAT and allowed only 391 yards. Meanwhile, the Bearcats defense could not stop the Knights offense, which scored seven touchdowns and set up one field goal over the Knights' eight possessions. The game was stopped with four seconds left in the third quarter due to lightning in the area. Soon after the delay passed the one hour mark, the American Athletic Conference canceled the rest of the game.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Pirates

|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=7

|Home=No. 22 Knights

|H1=21 |H2=21 |H3=7 |H4=14

}}

{{see also|2017 East Carolina Pirates football team}}

Entering the game ranked number one in scoring offense in the nation while facing the worst scoring defense in the nation, the Knights were 33.5 point favorites.{{cite web|title=Recap: East Carolina 21, Central Florida 63|url=http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/scoreboard/recaps/east-carolina-@-central-florida.cfm/date/10-14-17|website=VegasInsider.com|language=en|access-date=October 15, 2017}} The Knights ended up scoring nine touchdowns, including one interception returned for a touchdown and one punt return returned for a touchdown.{{cite web|last1=MacDougall|first1=Ian|title=Homecoming High Note|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/14/football-homecoming-high-note.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=October 15, 2017|date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104183407/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/14/football-homecoming-high-note.aspx?path=football|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The 63 points the Knights scored were the most since 2001,{{cite tweet |user=UCF_Football |number=919389978223837184 |date=October 14, 2017 |title=5–0 🚀 Most points since 2001 🙌 #UCFinSpace #UCFHC.|author=UCF Football}} when they beat Liberty University 63–0. The Knights also put up 603 yards of offense, making it the first time since 1998 that UCF has put up more than 500 yards of offense in three straight games.{{cite news|last1=Hays|first1=Chris|title=No. 22 UCF keeps rolling, earns 63–21 win over East Carolina|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-east-carolina-football-1015-story.html|date=October 15, 2017|access-date=October 15, 2017|work=Orlando Sentinel}} With the win, the Knights improved to 5–0 for the first time in program history since moving up to D-1 football,{{cite news|last1=Harris|first1=Terrance|title=Milton, No. 22 UCF roll past East Carolina, 63–21|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941820|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 15, 2017|date=October 15, 2017}} and the first time since 1988.{{cite web|title=UCF Football 2017 Media Guide|url=http://ucfknights.com/documents/2017/7/24/UCF_FB_Guide_Web_7_24_17.pdf|publisher=UCF Knights|access-date=October 15, 2017|website=UCF Athletics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016014035/http://ucfknights.com/documents/2017/7/24/UCF_FB_Guide_Web_7_24_17.pdf|archive-date=October 16, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 20 Knights

|R1=7 |R2=7 |R3=10 |R4=7

|Home=Midshipmen

|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7

}}

{{see also|2017 Navy Midshipmen football team}}

Navy welcomed the Knights to Annapolis following the Midshipmen's first loss of the season, 30–27 at Memphis,{{cite news|title=Memphis uses 5 turnovers to hand No. 25 Navy 1st loss, 30–27|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400941823|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=October 15, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Kirshner|first=Alex|title=UCF beats Navy, is the mid-major New Year's 6 frontrunner|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/10/21/16514728/ucf-navy-final-score-results-2017|website=SBNation|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} while riding a 17-game home win streak. Prior to the game, the Knights practiced against Navy's triple option scheme by having coach Scott Frost, who ran the option offense during his time as quarterback at Nebraska from 1995 to 1997, play as the scout team's quarterback.{{cite news|last=Adelson|first=Andrea|title=UCF coach Scott Frost's new role: scout-team quarterback|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/138889/ucf-coach-scott-frosts-new-role-scout-team-quarterback|publisher=ESPN|date=October 18, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite news|last=Murschel|first=Matt|title=UCF coach Scott Frost lines up as scout team QB to help Knights prep for Navy|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1018-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 17, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} The game ended up being the Knights closest scoring game yet,{{cite news|last=Murschel|first=Matt|title=Adrian Killins helps UCF defeat Navy, Knights start 6–0 for first time in school history|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-navy-football-1022-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} with Navy tying the Knights twice and being only three points down for most of the fourth quarter. Both teams offenses racked up over 400 yards.{{cite news|last=MacDougall|first=Ian|title=Knocking Off Navy|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/21/football-knocking-off-navy.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023231209/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/10/21/football-knocking-off-navy.aspx?path=football|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The Midshipmen's defense recorded one fumble, while the Knights defense recorded two interceptions and a fumble. The forced fumble by the Knights was key play of the fourth quarter. With 7:14 left in regulation, facing a 3rd down & 5 at the UCF 38, and trailing by only 3, Navy running back Darryl Bonner took a pitch to the left. A punishing hit by Brandon Moore jarred the ball loose, and Moore recovered for UCF.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400941825|title=Play-by-Play – UCF vs. Navy|publisher=ESPN|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} The Knights then iced the game with a 7-play, clock-burning drive, culminating in Otis Anderson Jr.'s first career touchdown for the Knights, and a ten-point lead they would not surrender. With the 31–21 win, the Knights improved to 6–0 for the first time in program history.{{cite news|last=Ginsburg|first=David|title=No. 20 Central Florida Beats Navy 31–21 for First 6–0 Start|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/10/21/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-central-florida-navy.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=October 21, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Governors

|R1=7 |R2=19 |R3=7 |R4=0

|Home=No. 18 Knights

|H1=14 |H2=31 |H3=14 |H4=14

}}

{{see also|2017 Austin Peay Governors football team}}

Coming off of their closest game yet, the Knights welcomed the Austin Peay Governors (an FCS program) to Spectrum Stadium. Austin Peay came into the game 5–3, after having snapped their 29-game losing streak earlier in the year.{{cite news|last=Simmons|first=Christian|title=Austin Peay savors surprise trip to Florida ahead of loss to UCF|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1029-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 28, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} Both teams offenses surged throughout the game, with the Governors putting up 352 yards and 33 points, the most by any UCF opponent in the season at the time. Meanwhile, the Knights offense put up 489 yards{{cite web|title=Austin Peay vs. UCF – Team Statistics|date=October 28, 2017|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=400986609|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 24, 2017}} and a school record 73 points.{{cite news|title=No. 18 UCF Blows Out Austin Peay 73–33|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2017/10/28/no-18-ucf-blows-out-austin-peay-73-33/107128742/|work=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|date=October 28, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} The Knights defense forced two turnovers, including a fumble returned for a touchdown by Shaquem Griffin.{{cite news|last=Green|first=Shannon|title=UCF sets scoring record during 73–33 rout of Austin Peay|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-austin-peay-football-1029-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=October 28, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} The game also included a kickoff return for a touchdown by each team, a tipped pass for an Austin Peay touchdown, both teams going two for two on fourth down conversions, Austin Peay guard Ryan Rockensuess recovering a fumble for a touchdown after the Governors offense fumbled twice in a play that started from the UCF 5 yard line, and an unsportsmanlike conduct call on UCF head coach Scott Frost, all in the first half. With rival USF's loss to Houston, combined with losses by TCU and Penn State to Iowa State and Ohio State respectively, the Knights became one of only five teams remaining undefeated after Week 9 (along with Alabama, Georgia, Miami (FL), and Wisconsin).{{cite web|last=Wittry|first=Andy|title=Undefeated college football teams in 2017|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2017-10-22/undefeated-college-football-teams-2017|website=NCAA.com|date=October 29, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} They also rose to first place in the American Athletic Conference.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 15 Knights

|R1= 7|R2= 14|R3= 7|R4=3

|Home=Mustangs

|H1= 7|H2= 7|H3= 10|H4=0

}}

{{see also|2017 SMU Mustangs football team}}

The Knights visited the SMU Mustangs, who started 6–2, their best record post "death penalty". Both teams boasted high powered offenses, leading some to believe the game would be an offensive shootout.{{cite news|last=Green|first=Shannon|title=Game Preview: No. 18 UCF at SMU|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-news-1104-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} Instead, the game became the second-lowest scoring game of the season for the Knights (behind only the Navy game). The game was the closest game yet for the Knights, and the only one to end as a single digit victory, as well as a one possession game. Though the Knights put up a season-high 615 yards on offense,{{cite web|title=UCF vs. SMU – Team|date=November 4, 2017|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/matchup?gameId=400941836|access-date=November 24, 2017}} they were unable to convert all of their drives into points. Inside the red zone, they turned over the ball on downs on their opening drive, and later lost a fumble.{{cite news|title=No. 15 UCF Stays Undefeated With 31–24 Victory Over SMU|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/04/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-ucf-smu.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 5, 2017}} Knights quarterback McKenzie Milton also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown.{{cite news|last=Hays|first=Chris|title=No. 18 UCF narrowly passes road test, edges SMU|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-smu-1105-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 4, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} The Knights offense was able to make big plays when it mattered, including an 80-yard touchdown reception by Gabe Davis, a 64-yard touchdown run Adrian Killins Jr., and a 63-yard catch and run by Tre'Quan Smith which set up a field goal. The Knights defense forced a crucial SMU fumble at the goal line, keeping the Mustangs from scoring a touchdown in the second quarter.{{cite news|last=Prothro|first=Jacob|title=Mustangs can't get it done against UCF|url=http://www.smudailycampus.com/sports/mustangs-cant-get-it-done|work=The Daily Campus|date=November 5, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} Late in the fourth quarter, two critical fourth down stops by the defense sealed the game for the Knights. With 5:10 remaining in regulation, facing a 4th down & 3 at the UCF 38, SMU quarterback Ben Hicks threw to Trey Quinn, who dropped the pass as he was turning down field, and the ball was turned over on downs. With 1:24 to go, the Mustangs faced yet another 4th down at their own 34. Hicks pass attempt was incomplete and the Knights took a knee to win the game.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=Huskies

|R1=3 |R2=7 |R3=7 |R4=7

|Home=No. 14 Knights

|H1=21 |H2=7 |H3=0 |H4=21

}}

{{see also|2017 UConn Huskies football team}}

UCF hosted UConn, in a matchup once known briefly as the Civil Conflict. With light rain showers in the area, UCF jumped out to a 21–3 lead after the first quarter. The Knights scored an opening drive touchdown run by Otis Anderson, aided by a fourth down conversion resulting from a Huskies offsides penalty as UCF lined up for a punt at their own 29 yard line. Midway through the second quarter, McKenzie Milton threw to Tre'Quan Smith who eluded three defenders untouched for a 41-yard touchdown pass, and UCF enjoyed a 28–10 halftime lead. The Knights, however, sputtered and were held scoreless in the third quarter. Huskies quarterback David Pindell completed a 60-yard pass to Arkeel Newsome, and on the next play, ran the ball in himself for a touchdown, and trimmed the lead to 28–17. Otis Anderson fumbled the ball deep in UConn territory, and later a turnover on downs, and UCF miscues became the focus of attention. The Knights turned the game around in the fourth quarter, however, behind a 65-yard touchdown run by Anderson,{{cite news|title=Anderson Helps No. 14 UCF Pull Away From UConn for 49–24 Win|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/11/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-uconn-ucf.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 11, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} and another touchdown run by Milton. With just under 9 minutes remaining, the UCF defense forced a turnover on downs. On the next play from scrimmage, backup quarterback Noah Vedral threw a 35-yard touchdown to Cam Stewart, who was left unguarded, and the Knights sealed a 49–24 victory. With Georgia's loss to Auburn, UCF would be one of four remaining undefeated teams in the country (the others being Alabama, Miami (FL), and Wisconsin).

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 14 Knights

|R1=7 |R2=24 |R3=14 |R4=0

|Home=Owls

|H1=3 |H2=10 |H3=0 |H4=6

}}

{{see also|2017 Temple Owls football team}}

UCF traveled to Philadelphia to take on division opponent Temple. After a tight first quarter, Temple led 10–7 early in the second period. The Knights then scored 24 unanswered points to go ahead, and never surrendered the lead en route to a 45–19 victory. The Owls offense gave up three turnovers (two interceptions, and one fumble) in the second quarter, all of which led to UCF points.{{cite news|title=No. 14 UCF Rolls Temple 45–19, Heads to War on I-4 Unbeaten|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/18/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-ucf-temple.html|work=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=November 18, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} With just over three minutes left before halftime, UCF punter Mac Loudermilk pinned the Owls back at their own 8 yard line. On the next play from scrimmage, Owls quarterback Frank Nutile was intercepted by Kyle Gibson, who returned the ball to the 5 yard line. That set up a McKenzie Milton touchdown pass to Gabe Davis, and capped off an explosive second quarter, and a comfortable 31–10 lead by the Knights at halftime. Both teams traded punts to start the third quarter. Then Milton threw a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tre'Quan Smith to increase the lead. On the next drive, Shaquem Griffin intercepted Frank Nutile, and returned the ball 22 yards close to midfield.{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=Shannon|title=No. 15 UCF rolls to victory over Temple, improves to 10–0|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-temple-football-1119-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 18, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}} Milton drove the Knights down for another touchdown, and a 45–13 lead. The first team offense and first team defense were benched for the duration of the fourth quarter. The second team defense gave up one 74-yard touchdown pass from Frank Nutile to Adonis Jennings, but with three minutes to go Nevelle Clarke intercepted Nutile in the endzone to halt any chance of an Owls rally. The Knights improved to 10–0 on the season.

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 22 Bulls

|R1=7|R2=13|R3=14 |R4=8

|Home=No. 13 Knights

|Visitor=#22 Bulls

|H1=21|H2=0|H3=7|H4=21

}}

{{see also|2017 South Florida Bulls football team|South Florida–UCF rivalry}}

The 13th-ranked Knights welcomed the 22nd-ranked Bulls (9–1) to Spectrum Stadium with the winner of the game claiming the American Athletic Conference East Division title and a spot in the 2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game. The game was the first ranked match-up in the War on I-4 rivalry.{{cite web|title=Knights Ranked 12th and 13th in National Polls|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 19, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201032500/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/19/football-knights-remain-12th.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The game quickly turned into an offensive shootout, with a total of 1,186 yards of offense between both teams.{{cite news|title=Winless to Unbeaten: No. 12 UCF Beats USF to Cap Turnaround|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2017/11/24/sports/ncaafootball/ap-fbc-t25-south-florida-ucf.html|work=The New York Times|first=Joe|last=Reedy|agency=Associated Press|date=November 24, 2017}} The game came down to the wire, with UCF taking an eight-point lead (following an earlier missed extra point by South Florida) with 2:21 left in regulation.{{cite web|title=South Florida vs. UCF – Play-By-Play – November 24, 2017 – ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/playbyplay?gameId=400941849|website=ESPN.com}} South Florida then tied the game with an 83-yard touchdown and a two-point conversion with 1:41 remaining. On the ensuing kickoff, UCF's Mike Hughes returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown,{{cite news|last1=Adelson|first1=Andrea|title=Inside UCF's 95-yard kickoff return that clinched wild win|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/page/insidetheplay112417/inside-ucf-knights-95-yard-kickoff-return-clinched-wild-win|work=ESPN.com|date=November 25, 2017}}{{cite magazine|last1=Staples|first1=Andy|title=UCF edges USF to stay perfect, quell Scott Frost news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2017/11/24/ucf-usf-score-scott-frost-aac-quinton-flowers|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=November 24, 2017|language=en}} giving the Knights a 49–42 lead, with 1:28 left. The Bulls attempted to strike back, but fumbled on the UCF 45 yard line which UCF linebacker Chequan Burkett recovered to seal the game.{{cite news|last1=Green|first1=Shannon|title=UCF rallies for historic win over rival USF, clinches perfect season|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-usf-game-story-1125-story.html|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 24, 2017}} The game was called one of the best of the season.{{cite news|last1=Kercheval|first1=Ben|title=Three TDs in 53 seconds? UCF beats USF in college football's game of the year|url=https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/three-tds-in-53-seconds-ucf-beats-usf-in-college-footballs-game-of-the-year/|work=CBSSports.com|date=November 25, 2017|language=en}}{{cite web|last1=D'Andrea|first1=Christian|last2=Kirk|first2=Jason|last3=Johnson|first3=Richard|title=UCF beats USF in CFB's best game of 2017 so far|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2017/11/24/16686086/ucf-usf-2017-results-final-score|website=SBNation.com|date=November 24, 2017}}{{cite web|last1=Short|first1=Chas|title=#15 UCF Beats USF 49–42 In Epic Edition of the War on I-4|url=https://www.underdogdynasty.com/2017/11/24/16698156/ucf-knights-usf-bulls-central-florida-scott-frost-quinton-flowers-mike-hughes-recap-2017-war-on-i4|website=Underdog Dynasty|date=November 24, 2017}} With Miami and Alabama both losing their respective games, UCF and Wisconsin would be the only two undefeated teams in Division I FBS.

{{main|2017 American Athletic Conference Football Championship Game}}

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 16 Tigers

|R1= 7|R2= 24|R3= 3|R4= 14|R5= 7|R6= 0

|Home=No. 12 Knights

|H1= 17|H2= 7|H3= 21|H4= 3|H5= 7|H6= 7

}}

File:2017AACChampionshipUCF-Memphis.jpg

Memphis fumbled away the ball on the first drive of the game. UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton threw two touchdown passes, and the Knights led 17–7 at the end of the first quarter. Memphis dominated most of the second quarter, highlighted by miscues by the Knights, particularly on offense. Tigers quarterback Riley Ferguson threw two touchdown passes, including a 68-yard bomb to a wide open Anthony Miller. The Knights committed three turnovers in the second quarter, a fumble and two red zone interceptions. Tigers kicker Riley Patterson kicked a 27-yard field goal as time expired in the first half, and Memphis led at halftime 31–24.

UCF bounced back in the third quarter. Memphis opened the second half with a surprise onside kick, but the kick attempt failed. McKenzie Milton had two touchdown runs, and threw for another touchdown, and the Knights were back in the lead by the score of 45–34. Trailing by 14 partway through the fourth quarter, Tigers running back Tony Pollard broke away for a 66-yard touchdown run. On their next drive, Memphis tied the game 48–48 with Ferguson's 10-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Miller.

With 33 seconds remaining in regulation, Memphis lined up for a potential game-winning 46-yard field goal attempt. The field goal attempt was blocked and recovered by the Knights, but not before the Tigers were called for Delay of Game. The penalty gave the Tigers a second chance at a game-winning field goal attempt. Riley Patterson's 51-yard field goal attempt sailed wide left, and the game would ultimately go to overtime tied 48–48.

Both teams scored touchdowns in the first overtime period, and the game was tied 55–55 going into the second overtime. Otis Anderson scored a 1-yard touchdown run to put UCF ahead 62–55. Memphis took over on offense. Facing 2nd down & Goal at the UCF 9 yard line, Riley Ferguson dropped back to pass, but was pressured by Shaquem Griffin. Ferguson's pass was intercepted by Tre Neal at the 4 yard line to end the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400955151|title=No. 12 UCF captures AAC title over No. 16 Memphis in 2 OTs|publisher=ESPN|agency=Associated Press|date=December 2, 2017|access-date=December 4, 2017}} With UCF's victory, along with Wisconsin's loss in the Big Ten Championship, UCF would stand as the only undefeated team in the college football season.

{{main|2018 Peach Bowl (January)}}

{{Linescore Amfootball|

|Road=No. 12 Knights

|R1=0 |R2=13 |R3=7 |R4=14

|Home=No. 7 Tigers

|H1=3 |H2=3 |H3=14 |H4= 7

}}

{{see also|2017 Auburn Tigers football team}}

The No. 12 Knights, as the highest ranked Group of Five conference champion, were given an automatic bid to play in a New Year's Six bowl,{{cite web|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2012/11/12/college-football-playoff-six-bowls|title=Stewart Mandel: Big East, rest of 'Group of Five' score victory with six-bowl decision|first=Stewart|last=Mandel|date=November 12, 2012|work=SI.com|access-date=December 10, 2015}} traveling up to Atlanta to play in the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Knights were matched up against the No. 7 Auburn Tigers (10–3), the SEC West champion and 10.5 point favorite.{{cite web|title=Recap: Central Florida 34, Auburn 27|url=http://www.vegasinsider.com/college-football/scoreboard/recaps/central-florida-@-auburn.cfm/date/01-01-18|website=VegasInsider.com|access-date=January 4, 2018|language=en|date=January 1, 2018}} For the Tigers, this would be their second of three consecutive games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium,{{cite news|last1=Stevens|first1=Matthew|title=Auburn to face undefeated Central Florida in Peach Bowl|url=http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/auburn/2017/12/03/auburn-face-undefeated-central-florida-peach-bowl/917652001/|work=The Montgomery Advertiser|date=December 3, 2017|language=en}} following their 28–7 loss to Georgia in the 2017 SEC Championship Game, while being scheduled to open their 2018 season against the Washington Huskies in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game.

The high-powered UCF offense got off to a shaky start, but superb defensive play kept the Knights in the game during the first half. A mishandled snap was fumbled by quarterback McKenzie Milton and recovered by Auburn, which led to a Tigers field goal and a 3–0 lead. Jarrett Stidham then led Auburn on a 14-play, 45-yard drive to the UCF 36 line. Daniel Carlson missed a 53-yard field goal attempt, and the score remained 3–0. Milton, with two long quarterback runs, put the Knights in field goal range, and the score was tied 3–3 partway through the second quarter. Four play later, Stidham near midfield, ran up the middle for a 6-yard gain. But the ball was punched out of his hands and bounced into the hands of Knights defender Tre Neal. Tightroping down the sidelines, Neal returned the ball 36 yards to the Auburn 21 yard line. Two plays later, McKenzie Milton scored the game's first touchdown, on an 18-yard quarterback run. Milton's passing numbers were thus far unimpressive, finishing the first half only 3-of-17 for 30 yards. But Milton's 83 yards rushing, coupled with five first half sacks by the Knights defense, gave UCF a 13–6 halftime lead.

File:Peach Bowl Celebration (25570483368).jpg

The third quarter belonged to the Tigers, as Noah Igbinoghene took the second half kickoff back 72 yards to the UCF 26 yard line. Jarrett Stidham threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Will Hastings, then Kerryon Johnson had a rushing touchdown on the next possession. The Tigers flipped the scoreboard, now leading by the score of 20–13. McKenzie Milton and the Knights offense finally revved into high gear. Facing 3rd down & 8 at their own 37, Milton connected with Jordan Akins for a 26-yard pass completion to the Auburn 37. Milton followed it up with a 12-yard screen pass to running back Otis Anderson. Hit at the 2 yard line, Anderson dragged two defenders into the endzone for the Knights' second touchdown. The UCF defense forced a three-and-out, and at the start of the fourth quarter, Milton and the Knights took over at their own 41. After two long completions, Milton quickly drove the Knights to the 8 yard line. Under pressure and scrambling, Milton found Dredrick Snelson at the back of the endzone for a leaping touchdown catch and a 27–20 UCF lead.

The Tigers went three-and-out for a second time, and Milton slowly began wearing down the Tigers defense. The Knights drove to the Auburn 8 line, but a Matthew Wright field goal attempt was tipped and blocked. At the 40 yard line with just over 6 minutes remaining in regulation, Jarrett Stidham's pass was intercepted by Chequan Burkett, who returned the ball 45 yards for a UCF touchdown. With the Knights now leading 34–20 with under six minutes to go, Auburn fans began heading for the exits, and the UCF side of the stadium turned into a frenzy. Auburn managed a quick touchdown on their next drive, and trimmed the score to 34–27 with 4:12 to play.

Looking to run out the clock, and ice the game, the Knights drove to the Auburn 21, where they faced 4th down & 7 with 2:18 left in regulation. Wright's field goal attempt sailed wide left, and the game shockingly continued. With one last chance to tie the game and potentially force overtime, the Tigers drove to the UCF 21 yard line. They had converted on a 4th & 8, and the Knights defense was bending but did not break. With 33 seconds to go, Stidham was under pressure by Shaquem Griffin, and threw up a desperation pass. With no receivers in the area, the ball was easily intercepted in the endzone by Antwan Collier. The Knights took a knee, and secured the victory, and a 13–0 undefeated season.

McKenzie Milton was selected as the offensive MVP with 245 yards passing, two touchdown passes, no interceptions, 116 yards rushing, and one rushing touchdown. Auburn narrowly edged UCF in total yards (421 to 411), but the Tigers had three turnovers compared to only one for the Knights. Shaquem Griffin had 12 tackles and 1.5 sacks, and pressured Stidham all game. Griffin was voted defensive MVP, in his final game for the Knights.{{cite news|last1=McPherson|first1=Jordan|title=Le Batard: UCF 'could have been the most surprising national champion' in football history|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/college/football/article192541659.html|work=Miami Herald|date=January 2, 2018|language=en}}{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/sports/milton-powers-no-10-ucf-34-27-peach-bowl-win-auburn-article-1.3732001|title=Milton powers No. 10 UCF to 34–27 Peach Bowl win over Auburn|work=New York Daily News|agency=Associated Press|date=January 1, 2018}} Following the game, the school claimed a national championship. A few days later, UCF was ranked number 1 by the Colley Matrix, an NCAA-designated major selector of football national championships.{{cite web|title=Football Bowl Subdivision Records|url=http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2017/FBS.pdf|publisher=NCAA|access-date=January 10, 2018|page=109}}{{cite press release|last1=Seeley|first1=Andy|title=Knights Ranked No. 1 - UCF|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/10/football-rankings-update.aspx?path=football|publisher=UCF Athletics|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322032117/http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/10/football-rankings-update.aspx?path=football|archive-date=March 22, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} The NCAA does not officially select a national champion in FBS football.{{cite web | last=Kirk | first=Jason | title=If Bama can claim made-up national titles, so can UCF | website=SBNation.com | date=2018-01-03 | url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/1/3/16842584/ucf-national-championship-claim | access-date=2025-01-12}}{{cite news|title=Who has won the most national titles in college football? Depends on who does the counting|url=https://www.foxnews.com/sports/who-has-won-the-most-national-titles-in-college-football-depends-on-who-does-the-counting/|work=Fox News|agency=Associated Press|date=December 28, 2012}}

{{CFB Team Depth Chart

| OScheme = Single Set Back

| DScheme = 3-4

| SpecialTeams = Yes

| KeyReserves = No

| 3Deep = Yes

| QB_Starter = McKenzie Milton

| QB_Backup = Noah Vedral

| QB_Third =

| RB1_Starter = Adrian Killins

| RB1_Backup = Otis Anderson Jr.
Taj McGowan

| RB1_Third = Cordarrian Richardson

| WR1_Starter = Tre'Quan Smith

| WR1_Backup = Cam Stewart

| WR2_Starter = Dredrick Snelson

| WR2_Backup = Otis Anderson Jr.

| WR3_Starter = Gabe Davis

| WR3_Backup = Marlon Williams

| TE1_Starter = Jordan Akins

| TE1_Backup = Michael Colubiale

| TE1_Third = Jordan Franks

| LT_Starter = Aaron Evans

| LT_Backup = Charles Sprenkel

| LG_Starter = Tyler Hudanick

| LG_Backup = Tate Hernly

| C_Starter = Jordan Johnson

| C_Backup = Luke Palmer

| RG_Starter = Chavis Dickley

| RG_Backup = Samuel Jackson

| RT_Starter = Wyatt Miller

| RT_Backup = Jake Brown

| ROLB_Starter = Shaquem Griffin

| ROLB_Backup = Shawn Burgess-Becker

| ROLB_SchoolName = OUTSIDE

| RILB_Starter = Chequan Burkett

| RILB_Backup = Gabreil Luyanda

| RILB_SchoolName = INSDIE

| LILB_Starter = Pat Jasinski

| LILB_Backup = Nate Evans

| LILB_SchoolName = INSDIE

| SLB_Starter = Titus Davis

| SLB_Backup = Eric Mitchell

| SLB_SchoolName = OUTSIDE

| FS_Starter = Tre Neal

| FS_Backup = Antwan Collier

| SS_Starter = Kyle Gibson

| SS_Backup = Richie Grant

| DB1_Starter = Brandon Moore

| DB1_Backup = Rashad Causey

| DB1_Third =

| DB2_Starter = Mike Hughes

| DB2_Backup = Nevelle Clarke

| RDE_Starter = Jamiyus Pittman

| RDE_Backup = Joey Connors

| NT_Starter = Trysten Hill

| NT_Backup = A.J Wooten

| NT_Third =

| LDE_Starter = Tony Guerad

| LDE_Backup = Seyvon Lowry

| PK_Starter = Matthew Wright

| P_Starter = Mac Loudermilk

| Kick_Returner = Mike Hughes

| Punt_Returner = Mike Hughes

| Long_Snapper =

| ColWidth = 110

| Autosize =

| RowHeight =

| FontSize = 100

| Debug = No

}}

• Offensive Player of the Year: McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|title=2017 American Athletic Conference Football Postseason Honors|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2017/11/29/2017-american-athletic-conference-football-postseason-honors.aspx?path=football|publisher=American Athletic Conference|date=November 29, 2017}}
• Coach of the Year: Scott Frost

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

• Aaron Evans, OT
• Jordan Johnson, C
• Jordan Akins, TE
• McKenzie Milton, QB
• Adrian Killins, RB

{{col-break}}

• Jamiyus Pittman, DL
• Shaquem Griffin, LB
• Mike Hughes, CB
• Kyle Gibson, S

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-break}}

• Tre'Quan Smith, WR
• Wyatt Miller, OT
• Trysten Hill, DL
• Chequan Burkett, LB

{{col-break}}

• Matthew Wright, K
• Mac Loudermilk, P
• Mike Hughes, RS

{{col-end}}

• September 4: McKenzie Milton{{cite news

|url=http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/theamerican.sidearmsports.com/documents/2017/8/21/2017_release_0a.pdf

|title=American Athletic Conference Football Report, 2017 Season – Week 13|publisher=The American Athletic Conference|date=November 20, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017}}

• October 2: Adrian Killins
• October 16: McKenzie Milton
• November 20: McKenzie Milton
• November 27: McKenzie Milton{{cite news|url=http://theamerican.org/news/2017/11/27/milton-flowers-highlight-final-football-weekly-honors.aspx|title=Milton, Flowers Highlight final football weekly honors|publisher=TheAmerican.org|date=November 27, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017}}

• October 2: Matthew Wright
• October 16: Mike Hughes
• October 30: Mike Hughes
• November 27: Mike Hughes

• Best record to start season: 13–0
• Most consecutive victories: 25
• Longest rush from scrimmage: 96 yards (touchdown) – Adrian Killins (September 30, 2017, vs. Memphis)
• Most points scored in single game: 73 vs. Austin Peay (October 28, 2017)
• Most points scored in a season: 627
• Passing yards in a season: 4,037, McKenzie Milton
• Passing touchdowns in a season: 37, McKenzie Milton
• Rushing yards by a quarterback in a season: 613 yards, McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|title=Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Postgame Notes – UCF|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/1/football-peach-bowl-postgame-notes.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=January 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104183407/http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/1/football-peach-bowl-postgame-notes.aspx?path=football|archive-date=January 4, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Total touchdowns responsible for in a season: 45 (37 passing, 8 rushing), McKenzie Milton
• Total offense in a single game: 562 yards (494 passing, 68 rushing), McKenzie Milton (December 2, 2017, American Championship Game vs. Memphis)

File:Griffin and Milton at the 2018 UCF Disney Parade (24698977057).jpg]]

• AFCA Coach of the Year Award – Scott Frost{{cite tweet|author=USA Today Sports|title=2017 AFCA FBS Coach of the Year Award Scott Frost, University of Central Floridapic.twitter.com/4azpvZctfk|user=usatodaysports|number=950915519997272064|language=en|date=January 9, 2018}}
• Archie Griffin Award – McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|title=Milton Named Archie Griffin Award Winner|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/22/football-milton-named-archie-griffin-award-winner.aspx|language=en|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=February 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224204002/http://ucfknights.com/news/2018/1/22/football-milton-named-archie-griffin-award-winner.aspx|archive-date=February 24, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year Award – Scott Frost{{cite news|last1=Russo|first1=Ralph D.|title=College football: Scott Frost named AP Coach of the Year after leading UCF to undefeated season|url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2017-12-18/college-football-scott-frost-named-ap-coach-year-after-leading-ucf|work=NCAA.com|agency=Associated Press|date=December 18, 2017|language=en}}
• Broyles Award – Troy Walters (semi-finalist){{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/21/football-walters-named-broyles-semifinalist.aspx?path=football|title=Walters Named Broyles Award Semifinalist|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 21, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201030739/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/21/football-walters-named-broyles-semifinalist.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• College GameDay "Herbie" Awards{{Cite web |last=Crawford |first=Brad |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Kirk Herbstreit reveals 2017 'Herbie Award' winners |url=https://247sports.com/contentgallery/kirk-herbstreit-reveals-2017-herbie-award-winners-111937344/ |access-date=2025-03-10 |website=247Sports |language=en}}
• Moment of the year – Scott Frost winning AAC Championship
• Game of the year – UCF vs. South Florida
• Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award (semi-finalist) – McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|last=Seeley|first=Andy|title=Milton Makes Cut|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-milton-makes-cut.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108205715/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-milton-makes-cut.aspx|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• ESPN all-bowl team – Shaquem Griffin{{cite news|last1=Schlabach|first1=Mark|title=Introducing the ESPN All-Bowl team|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/22017824/alabama-crimson-tide-georgia-bulldogs-dominate-all-bowl-team|work=ESPN|date=January 10, 2018}}
• George Munger Coach of the Year – Scott Frost (semi-finalist){{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/16/football-frost-up-for-coach-of-year.aspx|title=Frost Up For Coach of Year|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 16, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002941/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/16/football-frost-up-for-coach-of-year.aspx|archive-date=November 17, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Home Depot Coach of the Year – Scott Frost{{cite press release|title=National Coach of the Year – UCF|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/6/football-national-coach-of-the-year.aspx?path=football|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 6, 2017|access-date=December 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171207013411/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/6/football-national-coach-of-the-year.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 7, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year (finalist) – Shaquem Griffin{{cite press release|last=Seeley|first=Andy|title=Griffin Named Semi-Finalist|url=http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-griffin-named-semifinalist.aspx|website=UCF Athletics|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108210116/http://www.ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/7/football-griffin-named-semifinalist.aspx|archive-date=November 8, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite press release|date=December 12, 2017|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/12/football-griffin-a-witten-finalist.aspx?path=football|title=Griffin a Witten Finalist – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000240/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/12/football-griffin-a-witten-finalist.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Manning Award Quarterback of the Week (Week 12) – McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/22/football-miltons-manning-award.aspx?path=football|title=Milton Named Manning Award QB of the Week|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 22, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201042600/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/22/football-miltons-manning-award.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week (Week 11) – Mac Loudermilk{{cite press release|url=http://rayguyaward.com/central-florida-punter-mac-loudermilk-earns-ray-guy-award-weekly-honor/|title=Central Florida Punter Mac Loudermilk Earns Ray Guy Award Weekly Honor|publisher=Ray Guy Award|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115082707/http://rayguyaward.com/central-florida-punter-mac-loudermilk-earns-ray-guy-award-weekly-honor/|archive-date=November 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Senior CLASS Award – Shaquem Griffin{{cite press release|title=UCF's Shaquem Griffin Selected as the 2017 Senior CLASS Award® Winner for FBS Football {{!}} Senior CLASS Award|url=http://www.seniorclassaward.com/news/view/ucfs_shaquem_griffin_selected_as_the_2017_senior_class_award_winner_for_fbs/|website=www.seniorclassaward.com|language=en|date=December 27, 2017}}
• Touchdown Club of Columbus Male Athlete of the Year – Shaquem Griffin
• Walter Camp Award FBS Offensive Player of the Week (Week 13) – McKenzie Milton{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/26/football-Milton-Gets-Walter-Camp-Honors.aspx?path=football|title=McKenzie Milton Named Walter Camp Offensive Player of the Week|publisher=UCFKnights.com|date=November 26, 2017|access-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041517/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/11/26/football-Milton-Gets-Walter-Camp-Honors.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 1, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Walter Camp Player of the Year Award (semi-finalist) – McKenzie Milton
• Woody Hayes Trophy – Scott Frost
• American Football Coaches Association Second Team All-American – Shaquem Griffin{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Griffin All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 13, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000303/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/13/football-griffin-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}
• Football Writers Association of America Second Team All-American – Mike Hughes{{cite press release|url=http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|title=Hughes All-American – UCF|website=UCF Athletics|date=December 11, 2017|first=Daniel|last=Forcella|access-date=December 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215000711/http://ucfknights.com/news/2017/12/11/football-hughes-all-american.aspx?path=football|archive-date=December 15, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

{{see also|2018 NFL draft}}

Additionally, two players were signed as undrafted free agents:

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{{Notelist}}

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