UCF faced a tough challenge on Saturday, going up against No. 6 Texas Tech on the road. Despite putting up a fight, the Knights ultimately fell to the talented Red Raiders with a final score of 48-9. Here are five key takeaways from the game.
1. Quarterback woes plague UCF
The Knights were already short on quarterbacks heading into the game, with both Cam Fancher and Jacurri Brown listed as out on the player availability reports. This left redshirt junior Tayven Jackson to start his eighth game, but he was also dealing with a hamstring injury. Backup Davi Belfort also saw some playing time, but UCF is running out of options with their quarterback room getting more and more depleted.
2. Injuries taking a toll
The Knights had a season-high 15 players listed as unavailable for the game, including 10 players who were out. This included two offensive linemen, Carter Miller and Keegan Smith, who were both starters. This forced UCF to rely on backups Cam Kinnie and Connor Meadows, who stepped up to the challenge but ultimately couldn’t match the depth of Texas Tech’s roster.
3. Freshman RB Agyeman Addae steps up
In the absence of injured starter Myles Montgomery, freshman running back Agyeman Addae stepped up and had a solid performance with 30 yards on 4 carries. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the Red Raiders’ dominant defense.
4. Defensive struggles continue
UCF’s defense had a tough time containing Texas Tech’s high-powered offense, allowing a season-high 48 points and 499 total yards. Despite the efforts of safety Demari Henderson and linebacker Lewis Carter, who both had 12 tackles, the Knights couldn’t generate enough stops and tackles for loss to slow down the Red Raiders.
5. Texas Tech a tough measuring stick for UCF
Going up against a top 10 team like Texas Tech was a valuable experience for UCF, as they got a firsthand look at the level they need to reach in order to compete at the national level. While the Knights have made progress in their first year under coach Scott Frost, they still have a ways to go to reach the top of the mountain.
Despite the tough loss, UCF is not giving up hope and is already looking ahead to their next game against Oklahoma State. The Knights will continue to work hard and improve in order to finish the season strong.
