Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 15

The UCF Knights began the 21st Century as a young FBS team with no conference to call home. Now, a quarter of the way through it, they sit as a member of one of college football's Power 4 conferences. To mark the occasion, we are counting down the Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century.

Sep 17, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights quarterback McKenzie Milton (10) warms up by passing before a football game against the Marylan Terrapins at Bright House Networks Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

Note: We define the 21st Century as Jan. 1, 2001, to the time of this series' publication.

No. 15: The Return From Irma (Maryland, 2017)

Given how the 2017 season ended for the UCF Knights, it can be easy to forget how, at one point, they were preoccupied with more pressing matters.

After blowing out FIU in the season-opener, Hurricane Irma, which had reached as high as a Category 5, had central Florida in its sights. As it barreled through the Panhandle, the UCF area still experienced sustained wind speeds between 55-57 mph, with 75-79 mph gusts, and flooding of hundreds of homes.

While the storm itself delayed the Knights' game against Memphis to a few weeks later, their game against Georgia Tech, slated for the weekend after that, was canceled due to Spectrum Stadium still playing host to the Florida National Guard as it assisted in continued relief efforts.

UCF is lending a hand to the National Guard, which is stationed at its facilities after Irma. (via @UCFKnights) pic.twitter.com/8irN8sURAa

— NCAA (@NCAA) September 14, 2017

So, after two unplanned weeks off, the Knights came back together to host Maryland. It was like they never missed a beat, running away in the second half, 38-10.

The Knights infiltrated the backfield often, totaling five sacks and 11 tackles for loss. Though they could not stop future NFL wide receiver D.J. Moore from getting 83 yards on eight catches for the Terps' lone touchdown.

Quarterback McKenzie Milton not only completed 18 of 30 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown, but also led the team in rushing with 94 yards. The rushing attack came in handy for the Knights, who combined for 250 yards and three touchdowns on 21 carries. Future NFL tight end Jordan Akins, who led the team with 57 receiving yards, caught UCF's lone passing touchdown early in the third.

With the 2017 season back underway after a dire time for the local community and the prospect of playing for 11 weeks straight, this game foreshadowed just what the college football world was in for.

Catch up on the rest of the list below:

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 25

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games Of The 21st Century: No. 24

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 23

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 22

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 21

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games Of The 21st Century: No. 20

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games of the 21st Century: No. 19

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games Of The 21st Century: No. 18

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games Of the 21st Century: No. 17

Top 25 UCF Knights Football Games Of the 21st Century: No. 16