Dallas, TX -- (Sports Network) - In just one half of play, Kevin Smith ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns in Central Florida's 49-20 route of the SMU Mustangs in Conference USA action at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Smith only toted the rock 20 times for the Knights (8-3, 6-1 C-USA), but he shredded the Mustang defense in an impressive first half for the victors. Phillip Smith took over the running back duties in the second half, and had similar success, rushing for 90 yards and two touchdowns of his own. The Knights dominated all aspects of the game, as they recorded special teams and defensive touchdowns to go along with the Smith running back combination.

SMU (1-10,0-7) lost their ninth straight game as they remain winless in conference play. A slew of runners paced the Mustangs for 228 yards on the ground, led by Cedrick Dorsey's 62 yards. Justin Willis and Zach Rhodes split time at quarterback, combining to hit just 18-of-38 for 176 yards and a touchdown. The two, however, threw three interceptions in defeat. Columbus Givens brought in a touchdown to go along with 53 receiving yards.

Khymest Williams started the game off as well as the Knights could hope by taking the opening kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.

Thomas Morstead booted a 51-yarder through the uprights to put the Mustangs on the board a little later in the first quarter.

Kevin Smith then ripped off a 22-yard run for a touchdown on the ensuing possession to put UCF up 11.

The SMU offense came right back, and Chris Butler busted the line for a one- yard touchdown on the game's next drive.

Phillip Smith filled in for his backfield mate and punched in a seven yard touchdown to finish the scoring in an exciting first quarter.

Morstead kicked a 33-yard field goal early in the second period to cut into the Knight lead.

Quarterback Kyle Israel, who wasn't needed much thanks to a potent running game, hit Kamar Aiken on a 15-yard scoring strike to begin a 28-point UCF run.

Right before the half, Kevin Smith sprinted for an 80-yard touchdown and the Knights went into halftime with a 35-13 lead.

After the break, UCF started right where they left off, as Neal picked off a Willis pass in his own territory and returned it the other way for a 72-yard touchdown.

Later in the third, Philip Smith broke into the end zone for the second time, and the 10-yard touchdown run was all the Knights would need to seal the victory.

Givens added a 26-yard touchdown grab from Zach Rhodes late in the third quarter, but it was too little too late as both teams were held scoreless in the final frame.

Kevin Smith's first quarter touchdown was his 23rd rushing touchdown of the season, a new Conference USA record.