Oct 243 min read

UCF Faces Second Straight Undefeated Team in No. 11 BYU

UCF versus BYU — © Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY SPORTS

The UCF Knights' (3-4) road does not get any easier as they face their second undefeated team in a row, hosting the No. 11 BYU Cougars (7-0) at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Fla. on Oct. 26 at 3:30 pm EST. The Knights came this close to spoiling the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones (7-0) season last week but came up just short, losing 38-35 in Ames, Iowa.

The Cougars had a close call themselves last week, needing a last-second touchdown to conquer the Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-4) when they came to Provo.

Keeping the Improbable Alive

No one expected the Cougars to be 7-0, and with five more wins until perfection, the pressure is on. UCF is no slouch, and coming off a loss like last weekend's certainly lights a fire under them to do well, especially at home.

The Cougars will not have an easy game, but should they come out on top. That proves a lot toward taking them seriously as contenders for the Big 12 Conference title.

For UCF, it gets a second chance at spoiling a perfect season. It will do everything it can to not miss this time. This one is sure to bring the fireworks.

Key Players: BYU Cougars

The Cougars have seen some great performances from many different players this season, but they'll need these guys to step up should they come away with this statement win.

Jake Retzlaff, Quarterback

Jake Retzlaff has had many moments of greatness this season, including leading the Cougars down the field to score the game-winning touchdown last week. However, Retzlaff needs to be better, especially against a better secondary in UCF.

He threw two interceptions last week. While the Knights forced Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht to throw two picks as well and the Cyclones came away with victory, it's doubtful the Knights will let that slip away again. Retzlaff needs to clean it up if the Cougars want a comfortable win.

Harrison Taggart, Linebacker

Harrison Taggart had 11 tackles and some big defensive plays in crunch time last week. However, Garret Rangel was still allowed to run all over this BYU defense, rushing 5 times for 77 yards and a 15.4 yards per carry average.

They will face an even bigger quarterback run threat in UCF's Jacurri Brown, who ran 13 times for 154 yards (an 11.8 yards-per-carry average) and two touchdowns. It will be Taggart's responsibility to keep Brown contained.

Key Players: UCF Knights

The Knights had some big plays last week but did not have enough going their way to come away with victory. Could these players make the plays needed to pull off the upset?

RJ Harvey, Running Back

Both RJ Harvey and the aforementioned Brown could have massive games on the ground this week. The Cowboys were able to run all over this Cougar defense, and with arguably a better-rushing backfield, the Knights have the ground game on their side.

It starts with Harvey, though, and against the No. 64 rushing defense in the nation, Harvey could have another field day like he had last week. Harvey rushed for 25 carries, 196 yards and 2 touchdowns last week against Iowa State.

Xe'ree Alexander, Linebacker

With the potency of UCF's secondary on full display last week, the Cougars will likely keep it on the ground more than in the air. In comes Xe'ree Alexander, who leads a Knights defense that allows just 114 average yards rushing a game.

This being said, the Knights still got gashed last week, allowing 256 total yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. They will have to put their foot down against the Cougars to force them to gain yardage through the air.

Second Chance at Spoiler

The Knights have another great opportunity to dethrone the Big 12's best. They came this close to doing it last week, and with better matchups across the board, this one looks more promising. It helps that the Knights play at home.

This being said it will still not be easy. This BYU team has found its way around opposing defenses even through struggle, and much like Iowa State, is resilient. UCF will have to throw haymakers early and often, silencing any potential BYU momentum.

UCF has the talent to do this and should be able to play spoiler. Knights win 35-31 and give the Cougars their first blemish of the season.