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Recap: Tulsa Gives UCF Hope, Slams The Door Late To Win 45-30.

Tulsa has an offense that has been rolling this year. They rank 30th in the nation in scoring, but their defense has let them down all year. The Golden Hurricane started their matchup against UCF passing their way to a 24-3 half time lead.

Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports

The UCF Knights are trying to salvage a season that has been disappointing to say the least.  With their longtime coach George O'Leary deserting the team halfway through the season, one can imagine how tough it can be to continue fighting this season.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane on the other hand seems to be a small step away from joining Temple and Memphis as an AAC contender.  But for now, the Golden Hurricane want to finish the seasons strong with bowl eligibility.

Tulsa started the game racing off to a 24-3 lead in the 1st half behind two Connor Floyd receiving touchdowns and a stout defense only allowing 3.3 yards-per-play to the stagnant UCF Golden Knights.

The second half was a different story as the Knights outscored Tulsa 17-0 in the third quarter to make the score 24-17 at the end of the third.  Tulsa's defense was staying true to form allowing Junior Quarterback Justin Holman to establish rhythm with Tre'Quan Smith and Tristan Payton.  Holman would finish with 293 yards passing with 2 touchdowns and 2 picks.

Tulsa kept control of the game by leltting Freshman Ramadi Warren run wild.  Warren finished with 8.8 yards per carry on 168 total rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

UCF will be looking to stay positive down the stretch.  With the rest of their games at home against ECU next week, and USF to finish the season, they may be lucky to finish with one win.

Tulsa is on the path to bowl eligibility, but has a mixed bag for the rest of their schedule.  Next week they head to Ohio to take on a very good Cincinnati team.