No. 11 BYU Impresses in 37-24 Win Over UCF

© Russell Lansford/USA TODAY SPORTS

The No. 11 BYU Cougars (8-0, 5-0 Big 12 Conference) continue their quest for a perfect season as they notch their eighth win, beating the UCF Knights (3-5, 1-4) 37-24 in Orlando, Fla. on Oct. 26. The Knights struggled to put any sort of passing game together as the BYU defense forced 4 turnovers and allowed just 198 total passing yards.

BYU Stays Perfect

The Cougars flexed their offensive muscle this game, totaling 483 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns. This was a big plus in order to have an edge in this game, considering the UCF offense is well-known for its high-octane playmaking abilities, especially on the ground. The Knights scored 35 points and totaled 354 yards rushing in last week's game versus the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones (7-0, 4-0).

However, it was BYU's game from the start. The Cougars relied on the abilities of their passing game to control the tempo as well as forcing the opposing offense into making mistakes with a relentless pass rush and shutdown secondary.

It worked to perfection, as the Cougars jumped out to a 24-10 halftime lead. The Cougars totaled just 2 sacks, yes, but was in the UCF backfield all game, flustering the UCF quarterbacks Jacurri Brown and Dylan Rizk and forcing 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles. A lead they did not relinquish, the Cougars poured it on in the third by shutting out the UCF offense and scoring 10 more points.

The fourth quarter featured some garbage time scoring, but that was really it. A very late UCF surge was not to be as the Knights fell at home to the Cougars 37-24.

Turnover-Hungry Cougars

Turnovers ended up being the deciding factor in this contest. The Cougars forced 4 turnovers while the Knights forced just 1. The turnover that all but decided this game though came after BYU went up 31-10 coming out of halftime.

UCF looked on the ropes and needed a strong drive if they were to stay in this game. A punt after receiving the second-half kickoff was not ideal, but they could work their way back if they gained back momentum with a big drive.

A big drive was not to be though, as an RJ Harvey fumble that was promptly recovered by Harvey was followed up by an interception thrown by Brown to Isaiah Glasker. BYU came away with a field goal, making it a four-possession game late in the third.

Clean Cougar Slate

The Cougars continue their winning ways at 8-0, and with just four games left to go, things are looking up for BYU's perfect regular season hopes as well as their Big 12 title and College Football Playoff hopes. However, a couple of major obstacles remain.

The Cougars play the Utah Utes (4-3, 1-3) after their bye in the Holy War on Nov. 9. This is a game that could be their toughest contest of the remaining season. If the Cougars win there, it won't be a guarantee, but it's a massive step toward perfection.

For the Knights, 3-5 is far from where they thought they would be at the beginning of the season. Plenty of winnable games have slipped through their grasp and it has been a very disappointing season to this point. With Brown's performance in this game, the Knights may consider a third quarterback change in starting Rizk.

However, how much will that change and are they considering further changes? Perhaps in the head coaching department? An uncertain future lies with the Knights. They will face the Arizona Wildcats (3-4, 1-3) at home on Nov. 2 next week. If they can't get a win, it will be desperation time.