Kent State, now 0-1, lost to UCF (1-0) 56-6 Thursday night in Orlando.

KSU totaled 240 yards for the game, averaging 3.5 yards per play, while UCF had 723 yards and averaged 8.9 yards per play.

Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee led the way for the Knights, completing 22 of his 30 pass attempts and throwing for 281 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for a score.

Redshirt junior quarterback Mike Alaimo connected on 12-of-31 passing and threw for 145 yards in his first game for Kent State. 

Sophomore Tommy Ulatowski replaced Alaimo in the fourth quarter.

The Flashes totaled 95 yards rushing – led by sophomore running back Gavin Garica, raking up 45 on the ground. 

The Knights ran for nearly 400 yards, with three players eclipsing 80 yards. 

KSU forced three turnovers – two interceptions and forced a fumble out of Plumlee’s hands.

During the contest, UCF managed 33 first downs. Kent State had 15. 

Following the loss, Kent State will stay on the road, taking on Arkansas Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.

John Hilber is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected]