It may not have been the biggest game in UCF history.
However, it was undoubtedly the most emotional game in the 40-year history of Knights football.
Early on, it looked as if the emotions of not having their leader would sink any chances of UCF’s 25th straight victory.
“We didn’t get off to the best start, but our guys are resilient. I’m proud of the way those guys bought in all year along and it paid off tonight,” said UCF head coach Josh Heupel
The Knights came into the American championship game with the 112th ranked run defense in all of FBS football.