CINCINNATI >> Ahmad Gardner returned an interception for a go-ahead touchdown and Cincinnati clamped down on freshman quarterback Dillon Gabriel and No. 18 UCF’s high-scoring offense tonight for a 27-24 victory that ended the Knights’ streak of 19 conference wins.

After getting blown out their last two games against the two-time defending American Athletic champs, the Bearcats (4-1, 1-0) gave themselves an early edge in the race. And it came by way of a defense that’s had trouble keeping up with UCF (4-2, 1-1).

In addition to Gardner’s 16-yard interception return, the Bearcats picked off Gabriel’s passes at the Cincinnati 2 and 6 as they took control and closed it out.

“He’s a freshman,” Gardner said. “We were going to try to get into his head. That’s what the adjustment was. It worked.”

UCF’s Tre Nixon turned a short pass into a 45-yard touchdown that cut it to 27-24 with 3:11 to go, but the Bearcats ran out the clock, converting a fourth-and-1 at midfield in the closing seconds.

“The only way you’re going to knock off the best is to continue to be aggressive,” coach Luke Fickell said. “The only way you beat the best is to take those chances.”

Gabriel, a Mililani High graduate, came in leading the AAC in passing efficiency, but finished 25 of 46 for 297 yards with three decisive interceptions against a pressing defense that dared him to throw deep. The true freshman also botched a handoff at the UCF 19 that set up the first of Desmond Ridder’s two touchdown passes and got the crowd chanting “Overrated!”

“Three turnovers are unacceptable,” Gabriel said. “I didn’t do my part.”

The Knights had scored at least 30 points in each of their last 31 games, the longest such FBS streak since 1936.

“I thought Dillon responded to the pressure at times but he didn’t take care of the football,” coach Josh Heupel said. “No matter what age you are, you have to take care of the football.”

Ridder was 17 of 31 for 149 yards. He also threw an interception that set up Greg McCrae’s 1-yard touchdown run with 58 seconds left in the half that put UCF ahead 16-10 lead.

Gardner changed the game by stepping in front of a sideline pass and returning an interception 16 yards untouched in the third quarter, and Gabriel couldn’t rally the Knights.

“I knew he was going to throw it,” said Gardner, who also is a freshman. “I knew I was going to jump it, and it was going to be there.”

Michael Warren II had a 61-yard run that set up Ridder’s second touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter for a 27-16 lead.

THE TAKEAWAY

UCF: The Knights’ lack of experience at quarterback cost them their long streaks of conference wins and 30-point games.

Cincinnati: After giving up 51 and 38 points in its last two losses to UCF, the Bearcats started preparing for their quick-snap offense during camp. After UCF opened the game with a field goal drive, the Bearcats’ defense settled in and took control.

POLL IMPLICATIONS

UCF’s second straight road loss leaves the Knights in a tenuous spot. They were ranked No. 15 when they lost at Pittsburgh 35-34 on Sept. 21.

UP NEXT

UCF is off next week before hosting East Carolina on Oct. 19.

Cincinnati plays at Houston on Oct. 12.