BOCA RATON, Fla. _ UCF true freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel's first collegiate start was mix of highs and lows.
While he accounted for three touchdowns during the Knights' 48-14 win over FAU Saturday night, he also struggled to move the ball at times under pressure.
Gabriel was 7-of-19 passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns, including a 57-yard strike to Jacob Harris in the first quarter and a 74-yarder to Adrian Killins in the third quarter. He also added a four-yard quarterback keeper in the third quarter that was the first rushing touchdown of his college career.
Brandon Wimbush, who started the season opener against Florida A&M last week, didn't see the field against the Owls. UCF coach Josh Heupel indicated the former Notre Dame transfer would start the game earlier in the week, but he kept a big lineup change quiet and Gabriel led the Knights' offense.
Gabriel became the first freshman to start for the Knights since McKenzie Milton in 2016. Milton's first career start was in the season opener against Maryland, a 30-24 loss to the Terrapins.
When the offense stalled midway through the first half, Heupel turned to the ground game to spark the Knights. Greg McCrae, Killins and Otis Anderson gave UCF a lift by scoring first-half touchdowns that pushed the Knights' lead to 28-6 at the half.
UCF's defense held FAU in check throughout much of the game, giving up the first points of the season on a pair of field goals in the first half. The Knights gave up their first touchdown of the season in the fourth quarter, letting the Owls score on a three-yard run.
Once again, the Knights' defensive line delivered a formidable pass rush throughout much of the night. The group had four sacks and 13 tackles for a loss, creating havoc for FAU.
Now UCF returns to Orlando prepare for a big showdown with Stanford, with Heupel left to decide who will start at quarterback for the Knights.
