UCF Knights Upset BYU Cougars in Double Overtime Thriller
It’s been an unpredictable few weeks in college football, but Saturday’s match in Orlando may have taken the cake. The UCF Knights managed a stunning double-overtime victory against the BYU Cougars, and wow, what a game it was.
After a big win over Notre Dame and several top 10 teams tumbling down the rankings last weekend, the Cougars entered Week 8 sitting pretty at No. 2 in the nation.
On Saturday, they traveled to Orlando, Florida, to face off against Scott Frost’s UCF Knights.
The Knights, who came in with a 3-3 record, have had their share of struggles since joining the Big 12, but they usually perform better at home in the familiar surroundings of the Acrisure Bounce House.
BYU kicked things off with an opening touchdown, as quarterback Bear Bachmeier connected with wide receiver Kyler Kasper. But UCF wasn’t fazed; they held strong during the first quarter and then responded with a touchdown of their own in the second. Knights running back Landen Chambers found a gap in BYU’s solid defense to score on the goal line.
After creating a BYU punt, UCF drove deep into Cougar territory, but rather than going for another touchdown on fourth-and-goal, they opted for a field goal. Kicker Will Stone made it, putting the Knights up 10-7, although the decision to play it safe drew some boos from the crowd.
Perhaps the fans had a valid point, as on the next possession, Bachmeier charged into the end zone himself.
With another interception, UCF ended the half on a strong note, as QB Keyone Jenkins threw another touchdown to Chambers, leading to a 17-14 halftime advantage. This was their third time this season leading or being tied with a ranked opponent at half, but they had lost the previous two games.
In the second half, which was marked by rain, BYU scored on their opening drive. But UCF answered right back, reclaiming a three-point lead. Eventually, BYU settled for a field goal, tying the game at 24-24.
As the clock ticked down, UCF found themselves with great field position after a short BYU punt. They crafted an 11-play drive that came down to a crucial fourth-down play at the goal line. UCF’s defense clamped down on BYU, but then UCF’s offense quickly advanced down the field after a controversial call reversed a fumble into an incomplete pass, giving the Knights a fresh set of downs at the BYU 28.
On third down, UCF set up for a field goal on the following play. Unfortunately, the kick was blocked. The half wrapped up quickly due to a helmet coming off and no penalty being called, leading to overtime.
UCF won the coin toss and chose to receive second. In the first overtime, Bachmeier connected with Legend Glasker to put BYU ahead, but it didn’t last. UCF responded immediately, with Jenkins scrambling and finding receiver Josh Derry in the end zone.
After a successful PAT, the overtime continued. Stone kicked a field goal, but when BYU’s Kendal Wall was flagged for roughing the kicker, UCF got another chance, needing just two plays for Jenkins to find tight end Grayson Brousseau for a touchdown along with a successful two-point conversion.
As BYU entered their second overtime possession, their undefeated season and No. 2 ranking hinged on one play, but UCF held firm, sealing their biggest win against a ranked opponent in the program’s history.
What an incredible game! This result throws a significant wrench in the ranking and playoff picture, potentially giving UCF’s season a much-needed boost as they improve to 4-3 with a standout win.
Now, Kalani Sitake’s Cougars will aim to recover against the Arizona State Sun Devils on Halloween, while UCF prepares to face Baylor next.
