Justin Holman throws 2 TDs in UCF's spring game

Justin Holman throws 2 TDs in UCF's spring game

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 9:42 p.m. ET

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- Justin Holman threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns to lead the University of Central Florida's starters to a 20-6 win over the reserves in a spring game on Saturday.

Holman hit Kevin Miller with a 10-yard scoring pass and Jordan Akins caught a 9-yarder to account for all the touchdowns in the game.

Matthew Wright added field goals of 37 and 40 yards for the first team.

The only scoring for the second team came on field goals of 44 and 29 yards from Connor O'Sullivan. Nick Patti was 13 of 24 for 94 yards and one interception.

ADVERTISEMENT

Freshman Chris Williams returned the interception 52 yards to set up Akins' touchdown just before halftime.

The UCF defensive dominated the first half with six sacks and added another in the second half. Thomas Niles had three sacks and Miles Pace had two.

"I think it was one of the better spring games we've had since I've been here," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "Obviously, we have to put a lot more points on the board, but there weren't a lot of penalties. We have to play a lot better to compete for another conference championship, but I was pleased."

Here are a few observations from the scrimmage:

SPRING ALTERNATIVES: O'Leary said he is going to ask other state schools if they would be interested in playing an exhibition game against each other in place of the current format.

"I'd much rather see the competition level improve that way. Where you can make a true evaluation of where you're at and give the money to charity," O'Leary said. "You're not going to game plan things. You just go out and execute, take the kicking game out of it and I think it would be a lot more fun. At least you'd get a lot more interest in the spring games."

RECEIVING HELP: Sophomores Jordan Akins and Michael Colubiale, and redshirt freshman Tre'Quan Smith gave UCF hope for replacing a stripped receiving corps. The Knights lost Breshad Perriman, Rannell Hall, Josh Reese and J.J. Worton, who combined for 174 catches and 20 touchdowns last season. Akins had six catches for 58 yards and a touchdown, Colubiale caught five for 61 and Smith added two for 56.

"I feel a lot better about our wide receivers after this game," O'Leary said. '"'We got a lot questions answered."

share