Watson erupted for 177 rushing yards while a suffocating second-half defensive adjustment fueled the Knights' gritty victory.
Duke Watson burst through an open gap and sprinted down the left sideline to open with a statement touchdown for the UCF Knights after halftime.
Watson continues to build a strong case for best running back in the Big 12 in UCF's 44-30 win over Georgia State at Acrisure Bounce House on Saturday night.
He rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries (12.6 yards per carry). It's his second game with 100-plus yards, as he rushed for 110 yards and one touchdown in the Knights' Week 1 blowout win over Bethune-Cookman.
Both teams exchanged heavy blows in the first half, combining for 44 points at halftime.
UCF scored 10 unanswered points in its first two drives. Watson broke the game open with a 13-yard touchdown, and kicker Will Stone converted a 29-yard field goal.
Georgia State quarterback Cameran Brown responded to his opponent's rally and quieted the crowd with a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive. He ended the five-minute drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Rodshaun Dorsey.
Saturday seemed to be veering toward a high-octane shootout, but the Knights' defensive coordinator had different plans.
Grinch's defense allowed 323 total yards in the first half, an uncharacteristic showing for a rather stout Big 12 defense. His halftime adjustments held the Panthers to 162 total yards.
Forcing turnovers is the defense's identity this season, and it got crucial takeaways.
Linebacker Tackett Curtis intercepted Brown and advanced UCF into Georgia State territory. New starting quarterback Keyone Jenkins capitalized on the turnover with a 4-yard touchdown.
Safety Demari Henderson caught Brown's second interception at the start of the fourth quarter. His interception fueled a nine-play, 52-yard drive ending in a field goal.
The Knights led by two scores with five minutes remaining, and the Panthers couldn't break through the defense to get into scoring position.
Georgia State cut the lead to seven with a 49-yard field goal from Samer Layous after the two-minute warning. Coach Dell McGee almost muted Acrisure Bounce House with a near-successful onside kick.
UCF recovered the kick, and Jenkins put the game away with a three-yard rushing touchdown.
Jenkins struggled in his debut in the Knights' final nonconference game. The Florida International transfer threw for 86 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The program will need more stable play from its veteran to stay afloat without its star, Alonza Barnett III, heading into Big 12 play next week.
UCF will remain in Orlando to host the Texas Christian Horned Frogs for the conference opener at 3:30 p.m. next Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House.
