The UCF Knights faced the Colorado Buffaloes at home on 09/28/2024. The Knights came into the game with a 3-0 record a big comeback win against TCU. UCF has one of the best rushing attacks in college football and they were looking to dominate the line of scrimmage. Colorado came into the game with a 3-1 record and a statement win against Baylor. The Buffs were ready to keep their momentum going and take control of the BIG 12 Conference. For Colorado, throwing the ball was a strong point for the game.
Colorado
Offensively, Colorado was on fire in the passing game. Receivers frequently got open in zone coverage. The offensive scheme was mixed in with the run and pass. Run pass option (RPO) plays were successful as well, getting the ball out to players in space. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was 28/35 with 290 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, coupled with an interception.
The offensive line play has improved. Shedeur Sanders was flushed out of the pocket a few times, but he was able to get the ball out and make plays consistently. Wide receiver Will Sheppard hauled in 4 catches for 99 yards and touchdown. Travis Hunter had a whopping 9 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, Colorado struggled against the run, but the defense tightened up throughout the game. Their defense caused a plethora of turnovers with 2 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles. The Buffs got after the quarterback.
UCF
Offensively, UCF started the game off hot with a big 75-yard touchdown pass from quarterback KJ Jefferson to running back RJ Harvey. The Knights wanted to establish the run early, which they did. The run game was a major facet for the Knights offense.
The offensive production wasn’t quite there as there were missed opportunities in the red zone. Quarterback KJ Jefferson tried to be superman and take the game over with big pass plays downfield, and running the ball at a high rate. Jefferson is 6’3 247 pounds and was a problem for Colorado’s defense, breaking numerous tackles. KJ was 20/35 with 284 yards passing, 2 touchdowns, 2 interceptions and a fumble. Star running back RJ Harvey was a force having 16 carries for 77 yards rushing and 4 catches for 92 yards receiving and a touchdown.
Defensively, UCF’s defensive line got a lot of pressure on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, prompting him to make off brand plays outside of the pocket. Their secondary seemed to have matched up well with the Buffs receiving core, forcing numerous incompletions in coverage but the defense overall, gave up 290 passing yards which was a detriment. The Knights showed a lot of grit and toughness though.
UCF fought hard and didn’t go away but Colorado won the game 48-21. Colorado improves their record to 4-1 while UCF drops to 3-1, getting their first loss of the season.
