ATLANTA —
The University of Central Florida football team will be playing for a perfect season and respect when it faces Auburn in the Peach Bowl on Monday.
The Knights’ quest for an undefeated season begins at 12:30 p.m. in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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UCF coach Scott Frost will be on the sidelines despite being hired as head coach at the University of Nebraska shortly after UCF won a 62-55, double overtime shootout with Memphis to capture the American Athletic Conference title.
UCF has hired former Missouri offensive coordinator Josh Heupel as its next head coach.
What's at Stake?
With a victory over the SEC runner-up, the Knights would prove they belong on college football's biggest stage. A victory in the Peach Bowl would bring some respect to the American Athletic Conference as well.
If not for a loss in its last visit to Mercedes-Benz Stadium one month ago, Auburn might have been playing for even more. A loss to Georgia in the SEC championship game kept Auburn out of the College Football Playoff.
Key match up:
UCF's offensive line against Auburn's defensive front. The Knight's have moved the ball at will all season, but have not faced a defensive unit like Auburn's. The Tiger's own one of the nation's best defenses and the UCF has the No. 1 scoring offense. Look for Auburn's pass rush to pressure UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton.
UCF will be without their starting left tackle, Aaron Evans. Evans is out due to an undisclosed injury. Evans has started all but one game at left tackle the last three seasons. Jake Brown is likely to start in Evans' place
Player's to watch:
UCF: Shaquem Griffin. A birth defect forced the Knight's linebacker to part ways with one of his hands at the age of 4. But the 2016 AAC defensive player of the year has never let a it hold him back. Griffin has 154 tackles with 17 sacks over the past two seasons.
Auburn: Kerryon Johnson. The running back is the biggest key to Auburn's offensive success. The health of Johnson, who suffered a late season injury, is crucial to Auburn's hopes to keep pace with the nation's top-scoring team.
How to watch:
The game will be televised on ESPN. Kickoff is at 12:30 p.m.
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