Is John Rhys Plumlee Playing Today? (Latest Injury Update for UCF vs. Tulane in AAC Championship Game)
By Reed Wallach
UCF will face Tulane in the AAC Championship, the two teams second meeting in a month.
However, UCF's starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee may miss the team's game with a hamstring injury. The dual threat Ole Miss transfer was responsible for 172 yards on the ground in the first meeting and over 300 yards total. Will he be able to play on Saturday in the AAC title game?
Here's the latest on Plumlee:
Latest John Rhys Plumlee Injury Update
JRP left UCF's win against USF in the first half after he pulled up on a touchdown run. However, head coach Gus Malzahn and Plumlee himself reiterated that he practiced this week and may be able to play on Saturday, even if he isn't 100%.
Here is the play that Plumlee likely sustained the injury, followed by quotes throughout the week about the starting quarterback's status:
For UCF fans wondering, it looks like John Rhys Plumlee might have pulled something on his second rushing TD of the night. He appears to pull up right before reaching the end zone. pic.twitter.com/G8hJxANAsf
— Kenny Morales (@KennyMoralesTV) November 27, 2022
#UCF's Gus Malzahn said this about John Rhys Plumlee on @969thegame tonight: "He's practiced every day and he's practiced well every day. He's ready to go. I can't tell you he's going to be 100% but this time of year, I'm not sure who is 100%. But he's going to be ready to go."
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) December 2, 2022
#UCF QB John Rhys Plumlee told @969thegame tonight how he feels entering Saturday's AAC championship at Tulane: pic.twitter.com/aTABo6O2bb
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) December 2, 2022
While backup Mikey Keene is more than capable, leading two game winning touchdown drives against Cincinnati and South Florida, the team is better suited to attack the weak part of the Tulane defense with Plumlee on the field. Tulane is outside the top 100 in EPA/Rush this season.
Plumlee was a one man show against the Green Wave last time they played, and he'll be needed in order for the Knights to lift the AAC crown.
For more AAC Championship Game coverage, check out our game preview as well as this week's episode of The Early Reed!
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