Huge opportunity for UCF

By Mark Pszonak

Colorado draws eyes no matter who or where they play. Love them or hate them, people watch. UCF has a chance to use that to their advantage on Saturday afternoon when the undefeated Knights host the Buffaloes.

The Knights have been waiting for an opportunity like this since joining the Big 12 last season. In 2023, UCF also started 3-0, but then lost their next five games, all in the Big 12, and eventually finished at 6-7. Now they’re hoping this undefeated start is different. If it turns out to be, a win over Colorado will go a long way in accomplishing that.

Unlike last season, in 2024 the Knights have the luxury of a 1-0 start in the Big 12 after a thrilling 35-34 victory at TCU two weeks ago. Now with a bye week to prepare, they turn their attention to the Buffaloes, which are also 1-0 in the Big 12 after an equally chaotic and miraculous victory over Baylor.

Aside from all of the television eyes watching nationally on Saturday, UCF is also expecting a full house of top high school recruits. This is the opportunity that head coach Gus Malzahn has been waiting for to showcase his product in front of elite in-state talent and a raucous crowd. But for UCF to impress these eyes they must play up to expectations.

And those expectations are high, considering they are a 14-point favorite, coming off a bye week and currently have the top ranked rushing offense in the country (375.7 ypg).

The rushing attack starts with RJ Harvey , who has averaged 7.6 yards per carry while running for 448 yards and eight touchdowns. Quarterback KJ Jefferson can also be potent, with more than 2,000 yards on the ground in his career. And Jefferson's running ability may prove to be vital. Colorado’s run defense has been solid, but has had problems slowing down dual-threat quarterbacks. Both Sawyer Robertson (Baylor) and Cam Miller (North Dakota State) rushed for more than 80 yards.

Another important aspect of this game will be the level of pressure that UCF is able to put on quarterback Shedeur Sanders . Colorado’s offensive line is once again poor, which has led to 16 sacks (tops in the nation), however UCF's defense only has one sack (worst in the nation). The Knights have been getting pressure but it haven't translated into sacks. Will that change on Saturday?

This has the potential to be a memorable season in Orlando, but a loss against Colorado could quickly derail everything and begin to remind fans of 2023. With a win, UCF will position itself very nicely in the revamped Big 12 and keep the excitement building in Orlando.

The opportunity is there for the taking.