UCF turns to South Florida transfer at QB

UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee completed the game-winning drive Saturday at Boise State, but the Knights must turn to South Florida transfer Timmy McClain for the next few weeks.

Plumlee injured his leg on a 7-yard run with 31 seconds left when his cleat appeared to stick in the turf during a collision with Broncos defenders on the final drive, which ended with Colton Boomer's 40-yard field goal for an 18-16 victory.

"He had an injury late in that game. Took a pretty good hit," UCF coach Gus Malzahn said Monday. "He's gonna be out this week and he'll be out for a few weeks. The good thing is he doesn't need surgery. He will be back."

Malzahn said McClain splits reps equally with Plumlee at least two practices each week -- typically Tuesday and Wednesday -- to keep the team and offense comfortable in situations like this weekend's game against Villanova. UCF (2-0) plays in its Big 12 opener at Kansas State the following week (Sept. 23).

"He's ready to go," Malzahn said of McClain. "We have a lot of confidence in him. A guy that has played and started football games as a true freshman. So, really feel good about Timmy taking over for that."

Plumlee, a fifth-year senior, has 163 rushing yards on 19 carries this season and completed 38 of 54 pass attempts for 553 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions.