NEW ORLEANS — UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee returned to the field Saturday as the No. 22 Knights won, 38-31, over No. 17 Tulane at Yulman Stadium.
The win moves UCF into first place in the American Athletic Conference.
Standouts
UCF
— John Rhys Plumlee: The Ole Miss transfer threw for 132 yards on 17-of-32 passing with a touchdown but was most effective as a runner. He led the Knights with 176 rushing yards on 18 carries, including a 67-yard touchdown run.
— Javon Baker: The Alabama transfer caught five receptions for 54 yards and an 8-yard touchdown pass from Plumlee in the second quarter.
Tulane
— Michael Pratt: The Boca Raton, Fla., native completed 23 of 39 passes for 236 yards and three TDs. He also scored once on a 1-yard run in the second quarter.
— Tyjae Spears: The junior running back led the Green Wave with 130 rushing yards on eight carries.
Noteworthy
— Plumlee’s 67-yard touchdown run on UCF’s second drive was the longest run allowed by Tulane this season.
— Isaiah Bowser scored two times, bringing his season total to 13 rushing touchdowns.
— UCF was without starting linebacker Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste and safety Divaad Wilson due to injuries suffered against Memphis last week.