UCF RB Duke Watson Among the FBS' Most Explosive Backs
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Through the opening three weeks, UCF's run game has really dictated the overall team success, with the Knights winning the games where they excel on the ground.
Against Bethune-Cookman in Week 1, UCF ran wild on the Wildcats' defense, with Louisville transfer back Duke Watson scoring a 60+ yard touchdown on his first touch with the program.
Watson has been UCF's most-consistent producer out of the backfield, with his numbers and touches dictating the Knights' success.
In Saturday's 27-17 loss against Houston, Watson ran for over five yards per carry, but only had nine touches.
With Alonza Barnett III remaining sidelined, offensive coordinator Steve Cooper needs to find ways to get Watson the ball more, especially on the perimeter.
Through the first five weeks of the college football season, Watson has recorded 277 of his 404 total rushing yards on explosive runs, according to Pro Football Network's Cam Mellor.
This ranks No. 14 in all of the FBS, and displays just how dynamic Watson can be when he gets in open space.
In Week 3 against Georgia State, Watson ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns, averaging over 12 yards per carry.
His longest score came from 63 yards out, with Watson hitting top speeds of 21.6 miles per hour on the run.
The former Cardinal opened up the second half by bursting through a hole on the left side of the field, and breaking free to the sideline, heading to the endzone untouched.
According to Reel Analytics, this was the fastest ball carrier speed of the weekend, as Watson outran everyone to the house.
Watson is currently averaging 8.2 yards per carry, which ranks No. 11 in the FBS.
This has been Watson's game since his time with Louisville, where he led the nation with an average of 8.9 yards per carry.
Back in April, Watson outlined his decision to join UCF, praising head coach Scott Frost as a big component.
"[Coach] Frost and Bill, they made it seem like home," Watson said. "As soon as I stepped on campus, it just felt like football. I loved it, though. The plan they had for me, and I just felt like that I can do great things at UCF."
Heading into a pivotal two-game stand against No. 18 Oklahoma State and No. 8 BYU, UCF will need to have Watson clicking to keep up with two of the best offensive units in the Big 12 Conference.
The Cowboys have been very susceptible against the run, surrendering 158.8 yards per game to their opponents.
Expect UCF to lean on the run game early and often to allow Keyone Jenkins to get in the flow of the game and keep him protected.
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