In a triumphant showdown at FBC Mortgage Stadium, the UCF football team secured a 27-13 victory against the Houston Cougars on a Saturday afternoon, clinching their eligibility for a bowl game for the eighth consecutive season. This remarkable feat solidifies UCF’s status with the longest bowl eligibility streak in the state of Florida.
Honoring more than 30 seniors in a pregame ceremony, the Knights (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) showcased their prowess by amassing a formidable 476 yards offensively while stifling the Cougars (4-8, 2-7) to a mere 260 yards. The Black and Gold’s defensive mastery held Houston to just 94 rushing yards, marking the fourth occasion this season that UCF has limited an opponent to fewer than 100 rushing yards.
The Knights wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring touchdowns on each of their first two drives and seizing a 13-10 lead early in the second quarter. From that point onward, UCF never trailed, thanks to a well-coordinated offense and a resolute defense that propelled the team to their sixth win of the season.
Running back RJ Harvey continued his stellar form, surpassing 100 rushing yards for the sixth time in the last seven games, amassing an impressive 136 yards with a pair of rushing touchdowns. Harvey’s season total of 1,296 rushing yards now ranks as the fourth-highest in a single season in UCF history, accompanied by 16 rushing touchdowns, tying for the second-most in a single season in program history.
Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee orchestrated the offensive symphony with precision, completing 23 of 27 passes for 253 yards, including a touchdown. Plumlee showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing 15 times for 58 yards and adding another touchdown with an eight-yard dash into the end zone.
Plumlee’s favorite target in this commanding performance was wide receiver Kobe Hudson, who hauled in a career-high nine passes for 98 yards, including an impressive 37 yards after the catch. Tight end Alec Holler also contributed significantly, catching five passes for 44 yards, achieving a season high and matching his career best.
Houston managed to score on their opening possession, but UCF swiftly responded with a 13-play, 94-yard drive to even the score at 7-7. Plumlee’s connection with Hudson and a quarterback keeper for a rushing touchdown showcased the Knights’ resilience.
UCF’s defense played a pivotal role, forcing a field goal attempt after a crucial stop on 3rd and 7 at the 15-yard line. The Knights capitalized on this momentum, taking a 13-10 lead on their next drive, with Plumlee connecting with Xavier Townsend for a pivotal touchdown.
Entering the halftime break with a narrow lead, UCF’s halftime focus paid off as they received the kickoff and executed a scoring drive. A 57-yard pass from Plumlee to Javon Baker set the stage for Harvey’s 21-yard touchdown run, extending UCF’s lead to 20-10.
The Knights maintained control in the third quarter, shutting down any hopes of a Houston comeback. A dominant defensive performance, led by Tre’mon Morris-Brash’s impactful sack and crucial stops from fifth-year linebacker Jason Johnson, secured the victory. Johnson’s standout game not only included key sacks but also marked his third consecutive season with over 100 tackles, an impressive feat.
Walter Yates also shone defensively, notching 12 tackles, including five solo stops. With the Big 12 regular season now concluded, UCF awaits the announcement of their bowl game selection on Sunday, Dec. 3, eager to continue their tradition of postseason excellence.
