2000 UCF Golden Knights football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 2000 UCF Golden Knights football UCF Golden Knights logo.png 150 Independent 7–4 Mike Kruczek 3rd Gene Chizik 3rd Florida Citrus Bowl The 2000 UCF Golden Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season. Their head coach was Mike Kruczek, who was in his third season with the team. The 2000 season marked the Golden Knights fifth year since ascending to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996. Quarterback Vic Penn was sidelined after four games with a separated shoulder.Psst! Central Florida has a defense, too Redshirt freshman Ryan Schneider was elevated to starting quarterback, and won his first start, a 31–10 triumph over Eastern Michigan. During the season, UCF recorded its biggest win in program history at the time, when the Golden Knights upset the Alabama Crimson Tide 40–38 during their Homecoming on a last-second field goal by Javier Beorlegui.http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/genrel/080807aaa.html https://archive.today/20120715221315/http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/genrel/080807aaa.html dead July 15, 2012 University of Central Florida Athletics Association UCF Football Flashback – Going on Krucz Control: Part 7 of 8 – The History of UCF Football August 8, 2007 November 20, 2011 The victory was part of a mid-season streak where the Golden Knights won six out of seven games. The season finale was a much-anticipated, nationally televised match-up hosting #8 Virginia Tech. A crowd of 50,220 fans packed the Citrus Bowl, and Hokies quarterback Michael Vick sat out with an ankle injury. Mistakes ruled the day, as Ryan Schneider threw four interceptions, and the Hokies jumped out to a 30–7 halftime lead. Lee Suggs rushed for five touchdowns, as the Knights fell 44–21.USA Today Virginia Tech vs. Central Florida Despite a strong 7–4 record, the Golden Knights were not selected for a bowl at the end of the season. The lack of a conference affiliation worked heavily against UCF's favor,Virginia Tech Will Be Ucf's Bowl Game and rumors of a possible invitation to the Las Vegas Bowl never came to fruition. Schedule thumb|The Citrus Bowl, the Knights home field 2000 AP Eastern September 2 7:00 pm l y Georgia Tech Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA 17–21 40,993 September 9 6:00 pm w Northwestern State Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 19–7 19,003 https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-miscues-slow-down-ucf/177057448/ Florida Today Miscues slow down UCF September 10, 2000 July 20, 2025 Newspapers.com September 16 7:00 pm l y Akron Rubber Bowl Akron, OH 24–35 12,964 September 23 6:00 pm w William & Mary Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 52–7 23,164 September 30 1:00 pm w y Eastern Michigan Rynearson Stadium Ypsilanti, MI 31–10 10,238 October 7 2:00 pm l y Northern Illinois Huskie Stadium DeKalb, IL 20–40 18,148 October 14 7:30 pm w 2000 Eastern Kentucky Colonels Eastern Kentucky Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 34–3 18,908 October 21 4:00 pm w y Louisiana–Monroe Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 55–0 25,093 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-palm-beach-post-after-routing-lamo/176486268/ The Palm Beach Post After routing La.–Monroe, UCF has eyes on Alabama October 22, 2000 July 12, 2025 Newspapers.com October 28 3:00 pm w y Alabama Bryant–Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, AL SUN 40–38 83,818 November 4 7:00 pm w y Louisiana Tech Joe Aillet Stadium Ruston, LA 20–16 12,532 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/81525844/ucf-escapes-louisiana-tech/ The Orlando Sentinel UCF escapes Louisiana Tech November 5, 2000 July 15, 2021 Newspapers.com November 11 6:00 pm l Virginia Tech 8 Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL ESPN 21–44 50,220 Game summaries October 28: at Alabama – "The Kick" The Kick Non-conference game 2000 UCF Golden Knights Alabama Crimson Tide 5–3 Independent 3–4 SEC Mike Kruczek Mike DuBose 10 7 17 6 14 10 0 14 October 28, 2000 Bryant–Denny Stadium Tuscaloosa, Alabama Alabama by 18½https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109884790/ Line – NCAA Football The Orlando Sentinel 40 Newspapers.com October 28, 2000 September 20, 2022 83,818 CSS/Sunshine Network The UCF Golden Knights notched their first victory against an SEC team, and first victory against a major Division I-A school, defeating Alabama 40–38 at Bryant–Denny Stadium.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109885725/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ 37-yard field goal gives UCF its 1st major win (Part 1) The Orlando Sentinel David Whitley 1 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109885742/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ 37-yard field goal gives UCF its 1st major win (Part 2) The Orlando Sentinel David Whitley 10 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 Javier Beorlegui kicked a 37-yard field goal with 3 seconds remaining to defeat the Crimson Tide on homecoming. UCF entered the game as an 18½-point underdog, and 0–9 against the SEC.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886770/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ UCF at Alabama The Orlando Sentinel 38 Newspapers.com October 28, 2000 September 20, 2022 They were coming off a 55–0 blowout win over Louisiana–Monroe, and in their fifth season as a Division I-A Independent, were still looking for their first major victory.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886631/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ UCF tries again to name-drop The Orlando Sentinel L.C. Johnson 37 Newspapers.com October 28, 2000 September 20, 2022 They left with their program's biggest win to-date. UCF picked off quarterback Andrew Zow four times, forced a fumble, and scored 27 points off of turnovers.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886402/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Tide turns for Knights The Orlando Sentinel L.C. Johnson 37 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 They delivered Alabama's largest homecoming loss, and it was the most points the Crimson Tide surrendered at Bryant–Denny Stadium since 1951.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886340/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ The Buzz The Orlando Sentinel Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 A few days after the game, Alabama head coach Mike DuBose was fired after the stunning loss, but was allowed to finish out the season.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109889647/ DuBose fired by Tide, to go at season's end Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 1 Newspapers.com November 2, 2000 September 20, 2022 The game is sometimes known in UCF circles as "The Kick" or "The Drive",https://www.blackandgoldbanneret.com/football/2020/10/28/21538249/2000-ucf-knights-40-alabama-38-the-drive-video "The Drive", 20 Years Later: UCF 40, Alabama 38 SB Nation Black & Gold Banneret Jeff Sharon October 28, 2020 September 20, 2022 and was seen as a major milestone for the program.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886512/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ It's significant for Knights, Crimson Tide The Orlando Sentinel David Whitley 33 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 It is considered one of the greatest games in UCF Knights history.https://ucfknights.com/news/2004/11/2/UCF_Football_History.aspx UCF Football History UCFKnights.com Newspapers.com November 2, 2004 September 21, 2022 September 21, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220921164729/https://ucfknights.com/news/2004/11/2/UCF_Football_History.aspx dead First quarter UCF won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. Alabama took the opening kickoff, but on the fourth play of the game, Josh McKibben tipped and intercepted Andrew Zow, giving the Golden Knights the ball at the Alabama 20 yard line. Edward Mack took a draw play handoff 16 yards to the 4, setting up 1st & Goal. Ryan Schneider threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Clark, and UCF led 7–0. The two teams traded punts, then Alabama took over at their own 14 yard line. Zow threw his second interception of the first quarter, this time picked off by Elliot Shorter and returned to the 19 yard line. The Crimson Tide defense stiffened, and kept UCF out of the endzone. Javier Beorlegui kicked a 26-yard field goal, and UCF extended their lead to 10–0. Alabama shifted to rushing attack.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898723/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Miree's strong start lost in second half Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 29 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 Four Brandon Miree rushes gained 36 yards. Then Miree broke free for a 37-yard touchdown run to put Alabama on the board. The score was 10–7. UCF went three-and-out on their next drive, and punted back to Alabama. Andrew Zow tossed a tight end screen to Shawn Draper, who broke away for a 56-yard touchdown, and the Crimson Tide took a 14–10 lead with 2 seconds left in the quarter.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898450/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Knights nuke Crimson Tide – Alabama falls to 3–5 with loss (Part 1) Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 19 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898530/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Knights nuke Crimson Tide – Alabama falls to 3–5 with loss (Part 2) Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 28 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898779/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Game statistics Montgomery Advertiser 29 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 Second quarter Ryan Schneider was picked off by Troy Dixon, leading to an Alabama field goal. Trailing 17–10, the game started to unravel for UCF. On 1st & 10 at their own 20 yard line, Edward Mack fumbled and it was recovered by Milo Lewis. Lewis scooped up the ball and ran it back 22 yards for a touchdown. The Crimson Tide stretched their lead to 24–10 at the 13:04 mark of the second quarter. With under six minutes to go, Alabama faced a 4th & 11 at the UCF 35. Head coach Mike DuBose passed up on long field goal attempt, and sent out the punting unit. Lane Bearden's coffin corner punt pinned UCF inside their own 2 yard line with 5:33 left. DuBose was later questioned for not attempting the field goal, but later defended his decision.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898571/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ DuBose defends not going for field goal Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 28 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 Four quick completions by Schneider advanced the Golden Knights to near midfield. Facing 3rd & 11 at the Alabama 38, Schneider kept the drive alive with a clutch 13-yard completion to Jimmy Fryzel. Three plays later, he connected with Tyson Hinshaw for a 12-yard touchdown pass, and trimmed the deficit to 24–17. Hinshaw was sandwiched between two defenders and lost his helmet, but still held on to the ball. The Golden Knights drove 98 yards in 11 plays, regained momentum, and trailed by 7 at halftime.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898918/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Tide's disas terous [sic] season hits new low with last-second loss Montgomery Advertiser Tom Ensey 29 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 Third quarter UCF got the ball to start the second half. The Golden Knights drove 79 yards in 14 plays to tie the score at 24–24. Twice the Knights seemingly turned the ball over, but both times the turnovers were nullified by Alabama penalties. On the second play of the drive, Ryan Schneider's pass to Jimmy Fryzel fell incomplete, but a pass interference penalty gave UCF a first down. UCF crossed midfield, and on 1st & 10 at the Alabama 40, Omari Howard took a handoff 7 yards to the 33. He lost the ball, but Alabama was offside on the play, and UCF maintained possession. UCF stumbled, committing two false starts, and faced 3rd & 20 at the 45. Schneider's pass was intercepted Reggie Myles, but it too was negated by another pass interference call on defender Kecalf Bailey. A total of 56 penalty yards by Alabama benefitted UCF on the drive. Schneider capped the drive off with a 9-yard touchdown pass to a wide open and unguarded Tyson Hinshaw, who scurried along the right sidelines untouched for the score. After another Alabama penalty, this time Roughing the kicker on the extra point attempt, UCF kicked off to the Crimson Tide. On the third play of the drive, Davin Bush intercepted Andrew Zow, and tight-roped down the sidelines 47 yards for a go-ahead touchdown. UCF retook the lead 31–24. Alabama got a big gain on their next drive. Dustin McClintock ran up the middle for 34 yards, dragging defenders Asante Samuel and Damian Demps all the way to the UCF 34. However, the drive was snuffed out by yet another turnover. Zow and Antonio Carter fumbled away the exchange and it was recovered by UCF at the 41.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898649/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Players, coaches upset with loss, fans and season Montgomery Advertiser Tim Gayle 29 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 But this time the turnover did not lead to any points. UCF went three-and-out, and still led 31–24. Late in the third quarter, the Tide was pinned back at their 8 yard line. UCF intercepted Zow for the fourth time. The pass sailed high, and right into the hands of Damian Demps. The Golden Knights got inside the 10 yard line, but Ryan Schneider was sacked on 3rd & Goal. Javier Beorlegui's second field goal of the day gave UCF a 34–24 lead. Fourth quarter The fourth quarter started with UCF driving into Alabama territory. Beorlegui's 27-yard field goal, his third of the day, stretched UCF's lead to 37–24 with 11:01 left in the fourth quarter. The Golden Knights had scored 27 unanswered points. Alabama rallied in the fourth quarter, putting up two touchdowns on their next two drives. Zow found Dre Fulgham on a crossing route, who broke free down the left sideline for a 46-yard gain to the UCF 20. Ahmaad Galloway's 2-yard touchdown run made the score 37–31. UCF next drive stalled at the Alabama 40, and they were forced to punt (it resulted in a touchback). With 5:24 left in the game, Alabama took over at their own 20, and drove 80 yards in plays. Zow's pass to Jason McAddley for 32 yards advanced the Crimson Tide to the 15 yard line. A personal foul penalty (elbow to the head) was added to the play, giving them a 1st & Goal at the UCF 7. Two plays later, Dustin McClintock caught a play-action pass from Zow, and dove to the pylon for a touchdown to put Alabama ahead 38–37 with only 2:24 left in regulation. Alabama kicked off to UCF. Schneider completed passes to Corey Baker and Jimmy Fryzel, then faced 3rd & 1 at the 43 with 1:26 on the clock. Omari Howard's 5-yard draw play gave UCF a first down at the 48. The next play was a busted play, as Schneider's pass was caught by Kenny Clark for a 2-yard loss. The clock ticked inside 1 minute as UCF lined up at their own 46 with no timeouts left. Schneider eluded a sack, and hit Tyson Hinshaw for a gain of 18 yards to the Alabama 36. It was the eighth catch for Hinshaw (108 yards), who was questionable going into the game, recovering from a dislocated shoulder. Hinshaw came down hard on his side, and was out for the rest of the game.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109898848/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ Schneider, Golden Knights knew they had time Montgomery Advertiser Tom Ensey 29 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 On 1st & 10, Schneider threw a quick out-route to Tavirus Davis, who stepped out of bounds for a 3-yard gain. The clock was stopped with 28 seconds to go. On 2nd & 7, Schneider found Jimmy Fryzel for 7 yards, but Alabama was called for holding. UCF had a first down at the Alabama 23 with 24 seconds left. Corey Baker ran a draw play for 3 yards to the Alabama 20, then Schneider hurried up to spike the ball with 6 seconds left. Alabama took a timeout to ice the kicker, then the Golden Knights lined up on the right hash for the game-winning field goal attempt. With long snapper Mike Hedge, and holder Jimmy Fryzel, Javier Beorlegui kicked a 37-yard field goal to win the game for UCF.https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109886224/2000-ucf-at-alabama/ It's up, and life is good for Knights' game breaker The Orlando Sentinel L.C. Johnson 36 Newspapers.com October 29, 2000 September 20, 2022 It was Beorlegui's fourth field goal of the day, and the biggest of his UCF career. Alabama was flagged for being offside on the kick, but the penalty was declined. UCF was then flagged 15-yards for excessive celebration, and it was assessed on the ensuing kickoff. With still 3 seconds on the game clock, the Golden Knights sweated out the kickoff. The Alabama special teams unit desperately tried to make something happen on the return, lateraling the ball several times, but they were eventually tackled and the game was over. References UCF Category:UCF Knights football seasons UCF Golden Knights football