UCF RB on SEC football: 'They don’t have a lot of speed'

Adrian Killins Jr. doesn’t lack confidence.

The UCF running back was asked how the Knights’ offense stacks up to the Auburn defense ahead of the Peach Bowl on New Year’s Day, especially when it comes to team speed. He wasn’t bashful.

“SEC football, they don’t have a lot of speed, honestly,” Killins Jr. said.

Gasp!

Doesn’t he know about “SEC Speed?” Killins Jr. may have heard the phrase, but he says it doesn’t quite stack up to what the Knights present.

“Auburn hasn’t seen any speed like we have here so I would say they’re in for a rude awakening, because UCF football, we’re UCF fast and UCF fierce,” he said. “Defense is gonna put 11 hats to the ball fast and furious, and offense, we’ve got a lot of guys that can go up and get the ball and make you miss and make big plays.”

Killins has shown to be one of the faster guys with the ball in his hands in the country. He leads the team with 787 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground and is one of several UCF players capable of taking it to the house any time he touches the ball.

UCF, the only undefeated team in the country, leads the country in scoring offense (49.4 points per game) and is fifth in total offense (540.4 yards per game). The Knights will definitely present a big test for Auburn, but the SEC West champions are No. 14 in the country in total defense — by far the best unit UCF has faced all year.

UCF’s offense has carried it all year. The defense is tied for No. 93 nationally in total defense after allowing 753 yards to Memphis in the AAC title game. The Auburn offense has to be antsy to face the porous Knights defense, and you can bet Killins Jr.’s comments will add some motivation.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!

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