The Tigers officially open conference play this weekend when they make the trip to the University of Central Florida. This matchup was originally scheduled for Sept. 8, but the game was postponed due to Hurricane Irma.
Memphis will attempt to end a nine-game losing streak to the Knights. They are 0-9 all-time against UCF losing their last matchup 17-24 in 2013.
Look at the opponent
        UCF is 2-0 this season after having their game against Georgia Tech canceled due to weather. They routed Florida International University 61-17 in their first game and beat Maryland 38-10.
        The Terrapins went into the matchup with the Knights with 630 combined rushing yards in their first two games, but UCF held them to 42. That could be a problem for a Memphis offense having struggled to run with consistency.
        In the passing game, the Knights’ defense has held solid as well. They have intercepted three passes and given up two touchdown passes. Opponents average 178 passing yards per game, and UCF ranks 13 out of 130 in points allowed per game.
        Offensively, they pass for about 308 yards per game and rush for about 203. Their rushing attack is balance, with six players between 30 and 100 yards and at least 10 carries. Quarterback McKenzie Milton leads the way with 98 rushing yards after a big game against Maryland.
        Milton has been efficient throwing the ball this season with 538 yards on 38 completions and 51 attempts. He has thrown five touchdowns to one interception. He has three targets with at least 100 receiving yards, and Jordan Akins and Tre’Quan Smith have two touchdowns apiece.
Joey Magnifico goes down after catching a pass. The redshirt sophomore has two touchdown catches in three games this season.
What to watch for
        One of the biggest questions heading into the game is Memphis’ patched up defense that has dealt with a lot of injuries. The defense struggled to stop Southern Illinois last week, and UCF is a much better team.
        Milton has shown Memphis not only has to worry about his passing, but also his ability to run the ball. The Tigers struggled holding dual threat quarterbacks last season, and this will be their first time seeing one this season.
        On the other side of the ball, Memphis has not faced a defense this tough yet. The Knights have smothered offenses this season, but Riley Ferguson and the Tigers’ receivers could be the team to expose them.
Players to watch
UCF QB McKenzie Milton:
The sophomore has had solid start to the season. In the Knights’ win over FIU, Milton set career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. He finished the game with four touchdown passes and 364 yards through the air, 357 of those coming in the first half alone.
He followed with 178 passing and 94 rushing yards against Maryland. Milton threw for one touchdown and kept a drive alive with a third down 55-yard scramble leading to a touchdown.
Memphis TE Joey Magnifico:
        He has stepped into the starting role this season and has proven to be a solid target. The tight end is second on the team behind Anthony Miller in yards, receptions and receiving touchdowns.
        After just one catch in the season opener, Magnifico caught six passes for 83 yards and a score against UCLA. He followed that up with three catches for 28 yards and a touchdown. If Miller is the focus of the UCF defense, he could have another big game.
Anthony Miller catches a touchdown pass with a defender on his back. Miller leads the team in touchdown catches, receptions and receiving yards.
