SMU entered Saturday night’s matchup against No. 12 Central Florida hoping to end the Knights’ 17-game winning streak. Instead the Mustangs became the 18th straight victim of the self-proclaimed 2017 National Champions, falling 48-20 at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando.

Early mistakes cost the Mustangs. After SMU kicked a field goal on its first possession, cornerback Robert Hayes dropped a sure interception. UCF would go on to score a touchdown on the drive.

On the ensuing kickoff, James Proche fumbled, giving the Knights the ball inside of the SMU 20. The Knights scored two plays later, taking an early 14-3 lead.

UCF’s offense dominated in the early part of the game, scoring touchdowns on the first three drives of the game. Running back Adrian Killins Jr. was able to cut through the SMU defense in the first half, as the Mustangs just couldn’t match his speed. He finished the day with 113 yards on 20 attempts. Behind him and quarterback McKenzie Milton, UCF raced out to an early 21-3 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Will Brown completed four of six passes on SMU’s first possession, but went cold over SMU’s next three possessions. In that span, the Mustangs went three and out twice and punted on all three drives. Sonny Dykes turned to Ben Hicks, the redshirt junior, early in the second quarter. He proved to be more effective than Brown, leading the Mustangs to a touchdown that cut UCF’s lead to 21-10. Two UCF field goals, including one as time expired in the first half, gave the Knights a 27-10 lead going into the break.

Halftime from Spectrum Stadium 🔴🔵 #PonyUpDallas pic.twitter.com/RS8bKP90jx

— SMU FOOTBALL (@SMUFB) October 7, 2018

UCF’s offense came into the game averaging more than 580 yards of offense. They put up 541 Saturday night, 256 of which came on the ground and 285 through the air.

The Knight’s defense limited SMU to just 320 yards. SMU has eclipsed the 400-yard mark just once this season.

The Mustangs drop to 2-4 (1-1) with the loss. They have a much needed week of rest coming up before traveling to Tulane on Oct. 20.