UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson tries to scramble out of the grasp of a Florida defender in last week's loss. Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel/TNS
UCF is halfway through the season, but a two-game losing streak has put the Knights in a tough spot as they prepare for a critical showdown with Cincinnati on Saturday.
A loss to the Bearcats would not only extend the losing streak for UCF (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) but also harm its chances of making a serious run in the Big 12 race.
This creates a must-win situation.
“We’re to a point where our goal is to win the league,” said coach Gus Malzahn . “If you have a chance to win the league, we need to win this week. Everybody understands that.”
Said fifth-year defensive tackle Lee Hunter: “It’s a must-win game — all games are must-win. I feel we should win this game.”
The Bearcats (3-2, 1-1 Big 12) are coming off a bye week after a brutal 44-41 overtime loss to Texas Tech on Sept. 28.
“When you lose a couple [of games] in a row, you’re going to want to come out and play your best, kind of like that dog backed in the corner,” said Cincinnati coach Scott Satterfield. “They’re going to fight. So we know we’re going to get their best shot.”
UCF offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. said there is a sense of urgency to win.
“We’re not running away from that if you want to put that statement on it. We’re not running away from it because we want to get that good feeling back on our team. We need to have that feeling back,” he said.
Coaches: Malzahn, 4th season at UCF, 27-18 (104-56 overall); Satterfield, 2nd season at Cincinnati, 6-11 (82-59 overall).
Quick slant: This is the 10th meeting between the programs, the second as members of the Big 12. UCF has won two straight games in this series, including 28-26 in Cincinnati on Nov. 4 that snapped a five-game losing streak by the Knights. … The Bearcats are the second consecutive opponent UCF has faced coming off a bye week. … UCF and Cincinnati combined to win at least a share of seven American Athletic Conference titles from 2013-22.
About UCF: Despite their recent struggles on the ground, the Knights are fourth in the nation in rushing offense (282.4 yards per game). Running back RJ Harvey (600 yards) leads the Big 12 with 9 rushing touchdowns. … Receiver Kobe Hudson extended his streak of games with at least a catch to 28 games. … Linebacker Deshawn Pace , who faces off against his former team, leads the Knights with 27 tackles and 2 interceptions … Grant Reddick had a successful debut as UCF’s new kicker, connecting on both field goals (27, 37) and an extra point. Tight end Evan Morris took over kickoff duties, booting four for an average of 64.8 yards and three touchbacks.
About Cincinnati: The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for the Bearcats, who had 25 players banged up against Texas Tech two weeks ago. One was starting running back Corey Kiner (423 yards, 2 TDs), who was carted off the field in the first quarter. Satterfield anticipates most of those injured players, including Kiner, will be back against UCF. Former … Xzavier Henderson, a transfer from Florida, leads the team in receiving (453 yards, 4 TDs) and is among the in the Big 12. … The Bearcats have three defenders with at least 4 tackles for loss: defensive end Eric Phillips (4.5) and linebackers Jared Bartlett (4) and Simeon Coleman (4).
3 things to watch
Pressure the quarterback. UCF continues to struggle in this area. The Knights rank last in the Football Bowl Subdivision in sacks (3) and failed to get a sack against Florida last week. Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby has been sacked 7 times.
Get off to a quick start. Slow starts have led to UCF trailing by double-digits in the first half of its past two games. In 11 first-half possessions against Colorado and Florida, the Knights have scored just 17 points while turning the ball over three times (interception and twice on downs).
Get stops in the red zone. The Knights are last in the Big 12 in red-zone defense, allowing teams to score 15-for-15 inside 20 yards. More troubling is that the team has allowed 10 touchdowns (66.6%).
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