As UCF enters the Big 12 home opener against Colorado with momentum that they struggled to sustain only a year ago.
The come-from-behind win at TCU two weeks ago reinforced the team’s mantra of TNT: Tough and together. It also showcased UCF’s ability to handle adversity, an area where the Knights had fallen short in their first Big 12 season.
“I feel like that win gave us a lot of confidence,” said fifth-year running back RJ Harvey. “We never got the job done in the second half last year. It was tough last year, but we are a different team this year. A lot of our guys are hungry to prove it.”
UCF (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) was down 21 points in the third quarter against the Horned Frogs and battled back to score the winning touchdown with 36 seconds left. It was the largest comeback since the Knights rallied from a 21-point deficit against Boise State in 2021.
Last season, UCF was tied or led in the second half of a handful of games but faltered in the end. That wasn’t the case against TCU.
“I think it’s how you win,” said coach Gus Malzahn. “It is so important to the chemistry and makeup of a team and the fact that we fought back the major adversity.”
“A lot of the dudes who did come back from last year had a chip on their shoulders,” said fifth-year safety Quadric Bullard. “They were like, ‘It’s not going to be that same result as last year.’ We’re not that team that goes out in the first half, plays horribly, and then lies down in the second half. We have more fight.”
Malzahn sees the win as something his team can build on throughout the rest of the season.
“They learned a lot about themselves,” he said. “That was really important. If those things present themselves again, we can carry that in our back pocket.”
Coaches: Malzahn, 4th season at UCF, 27-16 (104-54 overall); Deion Sanders, 2nd season at Colorado, 7-9 (34-15 overall).
Quick slant: This is the first meeting between the programs. …. UCF is looking to go 4-0 for the first time under Malzahn and for the first time since 2018 … This is the fourth time Sanders has returned to his home state to coach a college game. His former team, Jackson State, played in the Orange Blossom Classic in Miami twice against Florida A&M (2021-22) and Bethune-Cookman at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville two years ago.
About UCF: KJ Jefferson leads all starting quarterbacks in the Big 12 in passing efficiency (183.9) and second in yards after contact (109) behind West Virginia’s Garrett Greene (167). … Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence leads the Knights in defensive pressures (8), according to Pro Football Focus, ahead of tackle Ricky Barber (7), edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly (6) and tackle Lee Hunter (5).
About Colorado: Receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter is the highest-graded defender and receiver on Colorado, according to PFF. … The Buffaloes are last in the Big 12 in rushing, averaging 68.8 yards per game. Running back Micah Welch leads the team in rushing (87 yards, 2 TDs), but he could get some help with sophomore Dallan Hayden (52) expected back in the lineup after missing time with an injury.
UCF coach Gus Malzahn has always been a big fan of Colorado’s Deion Sanders
3 things to watch
Get pressure on QB: Colorado has allowed 16 sacks, tied for the most among Football Bowl Subdivision teams, while UCF has just one. Malzahn indicated that getting pressure on Shedeur Sanders would be critical to limiting the Buffaloes’ offense. Sanders leads the league in the number of times he’s pressured when dropping back to pass.
Establish the run: The Knights continue to lead the country in rushing (375 yards per game), thanks partly to running back RJ Harvey (149). Harvey has rushed for at least 100 yards in five straight games, dating to last season. Colorado, meanwhile, hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Utah’s Jaylon Glover on Nov. 25.
Finish strong: The Buffaloes have allowed just 19 second-half points and haven’t allowed an opponent to score in the third quarter. UCF has scored 77 points in the second half, with 55 coming in the third.
Up next …
UCF vs. Colorado
When: 3:30, Saturday, FBC Mortgage Stadium
TV: WOFL-35; Radio: AM 740/FM 96.9 The Game, Sirius/XM 139 or 198
Weather: 87 degrees, 66% chance of rain
Favorite: UCF by 11.5 points
Online: orlandosentinel.com/knights; @osmattmurschel on X.
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
