ORLANDO – In a game marked by defensive prowess and missed opportunities, the UCF Knights came up short against the Cincinnati Bearcats, falling 19-13 at FBC Mortgage Stadium on Saturday evening. The Knights, now 3-3 (1-2 Big 12), had a chance to steal the game in the final seconds, but a late sack dashed their hopes of a comeback.
With just under a minute remaining, the UCF defense forced a punt, giving the offense one last shot to claim victory. The Knights, led by quarterback Jacurri Brown, marched down to Cincinnati’s 25-yard line. However, with the clock winding down, a crucial sack ended UCF’s hopes as the Bearcats secured the hard-fought road win, leveling the all-time series between the teams at 5-5.
“We fought hard,” said UCF head coach Gus Malzahn. “The 10 penalties and two early fumbles really hurt us. But I thought our defense did a lot of good things against a tough offense.”
A Defensive Standoff
Both UCF and Cincinnati, known for their explosive offenses, were limited to season-low point totals. The Knights racked up 397 total yards (201 passing, 196 rushing), while the Bearcats finished with 338 yards (241 passing, 97 rushing). The Knights’ defense forced two interceptions, with BJ Adams and Ladarius Tennison each grabbing their first career picks.
Isaiah Nixon, a standout on defense, recorded his first career solo sack and was instrumental in keeping Cincinnati’s offense under pressure. The defense held the Bearcats to a mere field goal after a fumble placed them at the Knights’ four-yard line early in the game.
The Turning Points
Cincinnati capitalized on UCF’s early mistakes, scoring 10 points off turnovers, including a touchdown by quarterback Brendan Sorsby to take a 10-0 lead. However, UCF answered with a gritty 13-play, 93-yard drive, resulting in a 29-yard Grant Reddick field goal, their longest scoring drive of the season.
In the third quarter, Kobe Hudson provided a spark with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Jacurri Brown, tying the game 10-10. Hudson finished with seven catches for 114 yards, extending his streak to 29 consecutive games with a reception—tying for eighth in program history.
Cincinnati responded with a 51-yard field goal and a four-yard touchdown pass to take a 19-10 lead. UCF narrowed the gap with another field goal, but their final drive ended just short of the end zone.
A Historic Night for EJ Colson
Saturday’s game marked a significant milestone as EJ Colson became the youngest player (17 years, 10 months) to start at quarterback for UCF. The true freshman showcased his potential, contributing to the Knights’ dynamic rushing attack alongside Brown and RJ Harvey. Harvey led all rushers with 94 yards on 17 carries, while Brown added 84 yards on the ground to complement his 207 passing yards.
Defensive Leaders Shine
The Knights’ defense turned in a strong performance, with several players reaching career milestones. Isaiah Nixon notched his first solo sack, and Jamaal Johnson recorded his first career sack. BJ Adams and Ladarius Tennison each secured their first career interceptions, contributing to UCF’s sixth interception of the season.
Nyjalik Kelly, Xe’ree Alexander, and Sheldon Arnold II all tied for the game high with seven tackles. Kelly also registered 1.5 tackles for loss and a quarterback hit, further cementing his presence as a rising star on defense. The Knights finished with eight tackles for loss, matching their season-best total set earlier against Colorado.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, the Knights remain optimistic as they prepare for their next challenge. UCF will travel to Ames, Iowa, for a prime-time matchup against Iowa State. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. and will air on either FOX or FS1.
Coach Malzahn and the Knights will aim to clean up penalties and turnovers while building on the strengths they displayed against Cincinnati. With Colson and Brown showing promise under center, UCF’s offense has the tools to bounce back quickly.
Conclusion: A Hard-Fought Loss, but Hope Remains
While the Knights fell short in their quest for a home victory, the game showcased the resilience and potential of UCF’s young squad. The combination of defensive grit and offensive flashes signals that brighter days are ahead for the Black and Gold. With a few adjustments, the Knights have every opportunity to turn the page and make a statement in the Big 12 moving forward.
