Lost in Space: UCF drops its first Space Game; Bowl hopes slipping away

BY Trace Trylko | Sons of UCF

“All good things must come to an end.” And so it goes for UCF’s once undefeated run in the Space Game as the Knights lost bragging rights to Houston – that other Space City.

FINAL SCORE: Houston 30 – UCF 27

The Knights were hindered by the same self-inflicted wounds that have plagued them throughout the season, as UCF fell to 4-5 overall and 1-5 in the BIG 12 in front of an announced sellout crowd of 44,206.

No Liftoff for the Offense

A week after totaling just 235 yards of total offense in a loss at Baylor, UCF managed 282 yards in defeat against Houston.

UCF Quarterback Tayven Jackson struggled and looked out of sorts all night – going 15-29 for just 136 yards, with Houston’s Latreveon McCutchin picking off one pass and returning it for a Cougars’ touchdown.

Knights Head Coach Scott Frost cited a Jackson hamstring injury for putting in Redshirt Freshman Davi Belfort to lead the Knights at the end of the game. Belfort sparked UCF with his running ability, getting his team into possible game-tying field goal range in the game’s waning moments. However, Frost didn’t want to settle for tying the game, and the Knights’ vaunted Space Game magic ran out when Belfort was picked off in the end zone on his only pass attempt of the game.

Same Old Knights

UCF’s consistency in two dubious areas has been a season-long storyline: Struggling on 3rd down and racking up penalties. The Knights went 5-15 on third down against the Cougars. Meantime, UCF earned nine often costly penalties for 75 yards.

Dunnam in the Record Book

Defensive Back Phillip Dunnam set a program record by snagging three interceptions, highlighted by one returned 43 yards for a touchdown. On the night, UCF created four turnovers, including picking off Houston quarterback Connor Weigman three times. The Defense kept the Knights in the game before wearing down late, as UCF’s offense only mustered three second-half points. 

Walking Wounded

Key players left the game with injuries: RB Myles Montgomery, Defensive Ends Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly, Linebacker Jayden McDonald and Defensive Back Braeden Marshall. Should Montgomery not be available, that leaves Jayden Nixon as UCF’s only scholarship running back. Two other depth pieces – Stacy Gage and Taevion Swint – have already been lost for the season. 

Final Third

It’s the stretch run for UCF, with the Knights needing two wins in the final three games to become Bowl eligible. This seems an exceptionally tall task, with road games against Big 12 title contenders Texas Tech (November 15) and BYU (November 29), and the home finale scheduled for November 22 against league doormat Oklahoma State. 

Quotable

“We just got to get a little better at a lot of things. We’re close to winning a bunch of these games; we got to get over the top.” ~ UCF Football Head Coach Scott Frost

Bottom Line

UCF’s Space Game perfection ends in a loss to Houston as the rival Cougars’ claim to being THE Space City will sting Knights fans for a while. UCF has a myriad of other concerns, from banged-up players to a lackluster offense, not to mention a lack of success on the road in Big 12 games, including a winless start this season. 

This week, the Knights lost the Space Race – with injuries piling up and tough road contests ahead – it’s UCF’s first season in Head Coach Scott Frost’s second stint that’s starting to feel like a lost cause.