UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, the University of Central Florida (UCF) suffered a devastating 30-3 loss to Baylor on October 28, 2023. This defeat marks the Knights’ seventh consecutive road loss, further complicating their season as they prepare to host Houston this coming Friday.
The Knights, who had recently showcased their potential with a dominant win over West Virginia, struggled significantly against the Bears, managing only three points. This dismal performance raises serious concerns as UCF heads into the critical annual Space Game at Addition Financial Arena.
UCF’s road woes are alarming, now standing at 3-11 away from home since 2023. Their last victory on the road dates back to September 14, when they edged TCU 35-34. Coach Scott Frost expressed frustration, stating, “We’ve got to earn one on the road. It’s not going to be given to us, and we’ve got to play a lot better than that.”
Adding to the team’s challenges, UCF’s rushing attack was virtually nonexistent against Baylor’s lackluster defense. Despite the Bears ranking near the bottom in the Big 12 for rushing defense, the Knights could only muster 74 rushing yards on 23 attempts, their lowest output since last year. “We’ve got to start fast,” said junior receiver Duane Thomas Jr.. “It’s not like we’re not capable. We have the plays. We’ve just got to start fast.”
Baylor’s quarterback, Sawyer Robertson, exploited UCF’s defense, completing 73% of his passes for 267 yards and three touchdowns. UCF struggled to contain Robertson, who has been a standout in the Big 12 this season. Defensive edge rusher Malachi Lawrence acknowledged their performance, stating, “They just have some really good catches. You just got to give them their credit.”
Despite a challenging game, Coach Frost remains committed to quarterback Tayven Jackson, who has started six of UCF’s eight games. Jackson posted a disappointing line of 18 of 33 for 151 yards and two interceptions but is set to lead the team against Houston. “I know what kind of game he can have,” Frost said. “We didn’t play well offensively tonight and that’s not always on the quarterback.”
In a rare bright spot, kicker Noe Ruelas managed to score UCF’s only points with a 45-yard field goal just before halftime. However, his streak of 11 consecutive field goals ended when he missed a 53-yard attempt in the third quarter.
As UCF gears up for the Space Game, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Knights can break their road losing streak. The pressure mounts as they seek to regain momentum before facing Houston. This developing story will continue to unfold, and UCF will need to rally quickly to turn their season around.
