UCF Knights Trounce Rusty New Hampshire Wildcats 57-3

© Mike Watters/USA TODAY SPORTS

The UCF Knights kicked off their 2024 season with a bang at home in FBC Mortgage Stadium on Aug. 29, demolishing the New Hampshire Wildcats 57-3.

It never really was a contest. Once again, the FBS flexed its muscle over the FCS in a fairly predictable matchup.

The Wildcats had their opportunities to make a statement and not go lying down. However, they didn't capitalize when they needed to and let it snowball on them quickly.

Game Summary

The Knights and Wildcats both got off to a shaky start, with each team feeling one another out in a defensive contest. The first quarter saw UCF score 6 points. Both passing games looked very shaky and the Knights' explosive run game did not getting their feel either.

Things opened up in the second quarter, though. Quarterback KJ Jefferson scored the Knights' first touchdown on a 3-yard scamper. A touchdown, field goal and safety put UCF up 22-0. New Hampshire did kick a field goal, making it 22-3. But UCF's defense absolutely dominated a conservative, rusty Wildcats' offense.

Wildcats quarterback Seth Morgan couldn't get going, completing 13-of-26 passes for 64 yards and 2 interceptions. New Hampshire made the leap into FCS from Division II, but it's clear there's a learning curve. The Wildcats' run game also took a step back from last year after losing Dylan Laube. It showed as they just totaled 47 yards on the ground.

UCF's passing game looked shaky, too. Jefferson was 7 for 14 passing for 164 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception. Backup Jacurri Brown completed just 50 percent of his passes. Both had rough-looking throws and Brown seemed to adjust his decision making a bit more.

Like New Hampshire's Morgan, though, some of that may have to do with being on a new team. Jefferson seemed to find his rhythm as the game went on, throwing two third-quarter touchdowns.

A lot of people watched the Knights' run game and UCF delivered in stride. Walker Award contender RJ Harvey had 11 carries for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns. Harvey wasn't the only one who impressed, though. Transfer Peny Boone had 7 carries for 81 yards and a TD. Myles Montgomery added 8 carries for 77 yards, 49 yards receiving and two TDs.

Overall, the UCF defense was why this game was so lopsided. It gave the Knights' offense a ton of breathing room by completely shutting down an inept New Hampshire offense. The defense allowed 162 yards of total offense. Deshawn Pace looked like a leader, though, making 5 tackles and an interception.

New Hampshire's defense did all that it could. It held up tough against the Knights' offensive attack in a few moments. It was a commendable effort. Wildcats cornerback Wande Owens was all over the field, making 14 tackles and multiple solid plays. Fellow standout Josiah Silver recorded 8 tackles and 2 tackles for loss. It just got to be too much and the Knights ran away with it.

The Turning Point

In such a lopsided affair, there really isn't much to be considered as the turning point. A slow first quarter gave the Wildcats a bit of hope. After a blocked punt turned into a safety, things started to look bad.

The play that looked to have really sealed it, though, was in the third quarter. With 9:15 to go, Montgomery took a short pass from Jefferson and turned it into a 49-yard score, turning the game into a blowout at 36-3.

What it Means

UCF moves to 1-0 with eyes toward a promising season in the Big 12 Conference. The Knights go West to face the Sam Houston Bearkats on Sept. 7 in Huntsville, Texas.

The Wildcats fall to 0-1, but they have time to win some games. They will look to be more competitive, too. New Hampshire fans can keep their eyes on Morgan settling in on offense. That offense will get better and New Hampshire's defense has already seemed to have made strides from last year. The Wildcats will play the Holy Cross Crusaders on Sept. 7.