Comment on UF stifles UCF behind inspired defense in highly anticipated meeting

GAINESVILLE — Florida won a game it couldn’t afford to lose while UCF failed to capitalize on an opportunity years in the making. The Gators’ 24-13 win Saturday night let them preserve supremacy over at least one in-state team from a major conference. The Knights hoped the game would allow them to force the Big Three of UF, Miami and FSU to make room for them. Instead, Gus Malzahn’s team followed a disappointing 48-21 home loss against Colorado with a no-show in the Swamp.