1996 UCF Golden Knights football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1996 UCF Golden Knights football UCF Golden Knights logo.png 150 Independent 5–6 Gene McDowell 12th Mike Kruczek 12th Willie Martinez 2nd Florida Citrus Bowl The 1996 UCF Golden Knights football season was the eighteenth season for the team and Gene McDowell's twelfth as the head coach of the Golden Knights. McDowell's 1996 team compiled a 5–6 overall record. The season marked UCF's first as a member of Division I-A, officially joining on September 1, 1996. At that time, the Knights became the first football program to play in four different NCAA divisions (III, II, I-AA and I-A).http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/genrel/072607aaa.html https://archive.today/20130120022729/http://ucfathletics.cstv.com/genrel/072607aaa.html dead 2013-01-20 University of Central Florida Athletics Association Daunte's World... Orlando's Biggest Attraction: Part 6 of 8 – The History of UCF Football 2007-07-26 2012-06-05 Sophomore Quarterback Daunte Culpepper led the team to rank 16th in the nation in passing offense. This despite suffering first a sprained ankle and later a separated shoulder (non-throwing arm). The Golden Knights won their first game as a member of Division I-A, defeating William & Mary. UCF dropped six of their next seven games, however, and finished with a record of 5–6. On October 26, UCF nearly upset Georgia Tech on the road.Knights almost golden against Tech https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36169175/1996_ucf/ Larry Guest The Orlando Sentinel 47 Newspapers.com October 27, 1996 September 20, 2019 It was the first of several near-misses against high-profile opponents over the next three seasons.Knights try again to bag "the big one" (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24394894/ Javier Solano The Orlando Sentinel 21 Newspapers.com November 6, 1999 October 9, 2018Knights try again to bag "the big one" (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/24394927/ Javier Solano The Orlando Sentinel 23 Newspapers.com November 6, 1999 October 9, 2018 Schedule UCF's first season as an NCAA Division I-A Independent saw them play an eleven-game schedule with five games at home, and six on the road. UCF played eight games against Division I-A opponents, and three games against I-AA opponents. Eastern August 29 w William & Mary Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 39–33 18,013 September 7 l y South Carolina Williams–Brice Stadium Columbia, SC 14–33 76,411 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-orlando-sentinel-ucf-stops-bleeding/140674639/ The Orlando Sentinel UCF stops bleeding in 2nd half September 8, 1996 July 6, 2025 Newspapers.com September 14 l y New Mexico University Stadium Albuquerque, NM 7–17 18,317 September 21 l y Ball State Ball State Stadium Muncie, IN 10–31 11,475 September 28 l y East Carolina Dowdy–Ficklen Stadium Greenville, NC 7–28 34,121 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/72931082/pirates-vanquish-knights/ The Orlando Sentinel Pirates vanquish Knights September 29, 1996 July 6, 2025 Newspapers.com October 12 w Samford Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 38–6 12,122 https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-central-florida-tops-samfo/176031710/ Florida Today Central Florida tops Samford for much-needed win October 13, 1996 July 6, 2025 Newspapers.com October 19 l Northeast Louisiana Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 38–39 16,293 https://www.newspapers.com/article/florida-today-knights-give-away-victory/175443410/ Florida Today Knights give away victory October 20, 1996 June 27, 2025 Newspapers.com October 26 l y Georgia Tech Bobby Dodd Stadium Atlanta, GA 20–27 43,610 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-news-and-observer-georgia-tech-wins/140691390/ The News and Observer Georgia Tech wins battle of backups October 27, 1996 February 10, 2024 Newspapers.com November 2 w Illinois State Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 42–15 17,639 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune-illinois-state-latest/188423712/ The Tampa Tribune-Times Illinois State latest I-AA victim for Central Florida November 3, 1996 January 7, 2026 Newspapers.com November 9 w y UAB Legion Field Birmingham, AL 35–13 12,500 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36169922/ The Orlando Sentinel Knights prove they can be winners in Division I-A November 10, 1996 July 6, 2025 Newspapers.com November 16 w Bowling Green Florida Citrus Bowl Orlando, FL 27–19 14,112 Game summaries thumb|The Florida Citrus Bowl, the Knights' home field August 29 – William & Mary UCF made their debut as an NCAA Division I-A team at the Citrus Bowl on Thursday night against I-AA William & Mary. The Golden Knights took a 10–0 lead into halftime, but errors and miscues almost cost them the game. The Tribe scored 27 points in the third quarter to take a 27–10 lead. UCF had seven fumbles (four lost), and the defense gave up big plays, including a 70-yard touchdown pass by Mike Cook. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper led UCF on a rally, throwing for 307 yards and three touchdowns, and rushing for 87 yards. The Golden Knights scored 22 points in the fourth to take a 39–33 lead with 1:47 remaining. In the final minute, despite back-to-back turnovers, the Golden Knights held on to win their first game as a Div. I-A school.The Great Escape (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29268743/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 29 Newspapers.com August 30, 1996 September 19, 2019The Great Escape (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/29268915/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 35 Newspapers.com August 30, 1996 September 19, 2019 September 7 – at South Carolina The Golden Knights scored a touchdown on the opening drive, but the Gamecocks scored 23 unanswered points before the first quarter had ended. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper suffered a sprained ankle, and left the game in the second half. South Carolina overpowered the Golden Knights, as tailback Duce Staley rushed for 188 yards and three touchdowns. The gamecocks won by the score of 33–14.UCF stops bleeding in 2nd half (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36137220/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 37 Newspapers.com September 8, 1996 September 19, 2019UCF stops bleeding in 2nd half (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36137258/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 46 Newspapers.com September 8, 1996 September 19, 2019 September 14 – at New Mexico UCF strong safety Donnell Washington scored an 80-yard interception return for a touchdown, and the Golden Knights defense played strong, giving UCF a 7–3 lead after three quarters. However, the offense struggled all night, and quarterback Daunte Culpepper re-injured his ankle. The Lobos rallied for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, and won 17–7.Defense runs out of steam for Knights (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36137688/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 29 Newspapers.com September 15, 1996 September 19, 2019Defense runs out of steam for Knights (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36137730/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 34 Newspapers.com September 15, 1996 September 19, 2019 September 21 – at Ball State On a cold, rainy afternoon, Ball State beat UCF 31–10 to give the Golden Knights their third loss in a row. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper, still suffering lingering pain from his injured ankle, brought UCF with six points in the third quarter. But in the fourth quarter, trailing 16–10, the UCF special teams broke down. The Golden Knights gave up an 80-yard punt return touchdown, followed by a blocked punt that lead to another Cardinals touchdown.Ball State rolls over UCF (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36138071/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 39 Newspapers.com September 22, 1996 September 19, 2019Ball State rolls over UCF (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36138109/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 50 Newspapers.com September 22, 1996 September 19, 2019 September 28 – at East Carolina UCF lost their fourth game in a row, falling to East Carolina. The Golden Knights were shut out 14–0 in the first half, but quarterback Daunte Culpepper was able to put UCF on the board with a 54-yard touchdown pass to Mike Huff early in the third quarter. The offense continued to sputter, however, as Culpepper was sacked twice, lost a fumble, and threw three interceptions on the day. After his third interception, which led to a Pirates score, Culpepper was benched in favor of Jason Thorpe. The Golden Knights fell 28–7, and went 0–4 on their September road trip.Pirates vanquish Knights (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36145288/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 37 Newspapers.com September 29, 1996 September 19, 2019Pirates vanquish Knights (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36145324/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 48 Newspapers.com September 29, 1996 September 19, 2019 October 12 – Samford After a much-needed bye week, UCF returned home to take on I-AA Samford. The Golden Knights rolled over the Bulldogs to snap their four-game losing streak. Todd Cleveland took the opening kickoff back 93 yards for a touchdown, and UCF led 7–0 just 15 seconds into the game. The Knights would never trail, as quarterback Daunte Culpepper threw two touchdown passes in the win. Mike Huff ran for a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass, while Mike Grant had a 40-yard touchdown run in the second half. Up by 29 points, Culpepper was rested in the fourth quarter, and replaced by backups Jason Thorpe and Kevin Reid. Both Thorpe and Reid had one pass attempt apiece, and both were intercepted. The Bulldogs were held scoreless in the second half, and UCF won 38–6.It takes Samford to bring out winner in Central Florida (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36145429/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 37 Newspapers.com October 13, 1996 September 19, 2019It takes Samford to bring out winner in Central Florida (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36145439/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 47 Newspapers.com October 13, 1996 September 19, 2019 October 19 – Northeast Louisiana UCF hosted Northeast Louisiana at the Citrus Bowl, its first Division I-A opponent at home since ascending to the I-A level themselves. The Golden Knights blew an 11-point lead inside the final three minutes as the Indians took the win by a score of 39–38. In a high scoring game, quarterback Daunte Culpepper threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. With 3:01 left to play, the Golden Knights led 38–27. In just 43 seconds, quarterback Raymond Philyaw drove the Indians 65-yards for a touchdown, and trimmed the score to 38–33. The Indians recovered an onside kick, and 48 seconds later, were in the endzone again for the go-ahead score. Facing 4th & 10 at the 37, Philyaw threw a perfect pass to Marty Booker at the goal line. Trailing by one point, UCF had one last chance to drive for a potential game-winning field goal. Driving near midfield, Culpepper broke away for a 20-yard scramble, but had the ball slapped from his hand at the 47 yard line. The Indians recovered the fumble, and sealed the victory.UCF loss rates high in shock value (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36146125/1996_ucf/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 33 Newspapers.com October 20, 1996 September 19, 2019UCF loss rates high in shock value (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36146151/1996_ucf/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 44 Newspapers.com October 20, 1996 September 19, 2019 October 26 – at Georgia Tech UCF gave George O'Leary and the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets a scare, but five turnovers thwarted any chance of victory. Trailing 20-6 early in the fourth quarter, quarterback Daunte Culpepper was on the sidelines with an injured shoulder. Strong safety Donnell Washington grabbed a mid-air fumble and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown to trim the deficit to 20–13. The Knights were able to pin Georgia Tech back at their own 4 yard line with 8:02 to go. But Georgia tech responded with a 96-yard touchdown pass from Shaw to Charlie Roberts, and a 27–13 lead. UCF scored a touchdown with 40 seconds left in regulation to make the score 27–20. An onside kick attempt in the final minute failed, and the Golden Knights lost 27–20.Knights blow chance for an upset (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36168644/1996_ucf/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 38 Newspapers.com October 27, 1996 September 20, 2019Knights blow chance for an upset (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36168672/1996_ucf/ Jerry Greene The Orlando Sentinel 47 Newspapers.com October 27, 1996 September 20, 2019The Game Central Florida vs. Georgia Tech https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36168696/1996_ucf/ The Orlando Sentinel 47 Newspapers.com October 27, 1996 September 20, 2019 November 2 – Illinois State Two UCF players, receiver Todd Cleveland and running back Mike Grant, were suspended before the game for the season, but the Golden Knights still routed Illinois State 42–15 on homecoming. UCF racked up 597 yards of offense, led by quarterback Daunte Culpepper, who threw for 260 yards and two touchdown passes. Culpepper only played in the first half, as the team elected to rest him in the second half due to his lingering shoulder injury.UCF bears bad news for Illinois St. (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36169670/ The Orlando Sentinel 37 Newspapers.com November 3, 1996 September 20, 2019UCF bears bad news for Illinois St. (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36169685/1996_ucf/ The Orlando Sentinel 46 Newspapers.com November 3, 1996 September 20, 2019 November 9 – at UAB Quarterback Daunte Culpepper has his best game of the season, completing 24 of 36 passes. He threw for 421 yards and three touchdown passes, and ran for another touchdown, as the Golden Knights won by the score of 35–13. The win was notable, as it marked UCF's first victory against a Division I-A opponent since ascending to Division I-A themselves. After falling behind 10–0 in the second quarter, the Golden Knights outscored UAB 35–3 to take complete control of the game. Culpepper's 421 passing yards was the second-most in school history.Knights prove they can be winners in Division I-A (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36169922/ The Orlando Sentinel 37 Newspapers.com November 10, 1996 September 20, 2019Knights prove they can be winners in Division I-A (Part 2) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36170130/1996_ucf/ The Orlando Sentinel 44 Newspapers.com November 10, 1996 September 20, 2019 November 16 – Bowling Green UCF finished the season on a three-game winning streak, defeating Bowling Green 27–19 at the Citrus Bowl. UCF led 14–13 early in the third quarter, but a miscue kept the Green Falcons in the game. Windy conditions helped Bowling Green, as a punt carried for 73 yards, pinning the Golden Knights at their own 1 yard line. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper was intercepted, setting up a Cates 1-yard touchdown run, and a 19–14 lead for the Falcons. Culpepper responded with a 54-yard pass to Mark Nonsant, which set up a touchdown run by Mike Huff, and a 20–19 lead. UCF added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, after stopping the Falcons on a 4th down & 6 at the 36 yard line.Knights finish strong (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36170357/1996_ucf/ The Orlando Sentinel 33 Newspapers.com November 10, 1996 September 20, 2019Knights finish strong (Part 1) https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36170369/1996_ucf/ The Orlando Sentinel 40 Newspapers.com November 10, 1996 September 20, 2019 Roster 1996 UCF Golden Knights ff 8 So Daunte Culpepper QB y https://web.archive.org/web/19961225164534/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/sfc/india/sfck05ra.htm *Gene McDowell References UCF Category:UCF Knights football seasons UCF Golden Knights football Category:1990s in Orlando, Florida