UCF’s 8-game winning streak in the annual space game came to an end as Houston outscored them 17-3 in the second half. Despite a strong start and three interceptions by Phillip Dunnam, the Knights couldn’t hold on and fell to the Cougars 30-27.
The loss was a missed opportunity for UCF (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) to become bowl eligible, as they now need two wins in their remaining three games. Next up, the Knights will face tough road contests against No. 8 Texas Tech and No. 7 BYU, followed by a home game against Oklahoma State.
Houston sealed the deal with a game-winning field goal by Ethan Sanchez after an 8-minute drive. Backup quarterback Davi Belfort had a chance to lead UCF to a win, but his pass was intercepted in the end zone.
Despite the strong defensive effort, the Knights struggled on offense and couldn’t take advantage of their early lead. However, UCF Athletic Director sees a change in football culture under Coach Scott Frost.
UCF’s defense showed improvement, with defensive end Derrick LeBlanc swatting down a crucial pass on a 4th-and-5 and Dunnam making three interceptions. The Knights’ offense, however, struggled with penalties and turnovers.
UCF got on the board first with a field goal by Noe Ruelas, but a holding penalty pushed them back and they had to settle for three points. The defense then stepped up again with a Dunnam interception, but the offense couldn’t capitalize and had to punt.
The Knights’ luck changed in the second quarter when linebacker Jayde McDonald recovered a fumbled punt by Houston. This led to a touchdown run by Myles Montgomery, giving UCF a 10-0 lead.
But Houston fought back, scoring two touchdowns before the half, including a pick-6 off of quarterback Tayven Jackson. UCF answered with a touchdown run by Jaden Nixon and another interception by Dunnam, who returned it for a touchdown.
The Cougars tied the game in the third quarter, but UCF’s defense held strong and Dunnam made another interception, leading to a field goal by Ruelas to tie the game again.
In the end, Houston’s offense was too much for UCF to handle, and the Knights couldn’t find a way to rally in the fourth quarter.
UCF’s next game will be a tough test against No. 8 Texas Tech, but with Coach Frost at the helm, there is hope for the Knights to bounce back and finish the season strong. Stay tuned for more coverage of UCF football by following me on X, Bluesky, or Instagram @osmattmurschel and signing up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter.