ORLANDO, Fla. – In a thrilling college football showdown, the UCF Knights achieved a historic victory on Saturday by defeating the No. 2 ranked BYU Cougars 39-31, marking their first win over a top-5 team in the program’s history. Keyone Jenkins, stepping up as UCF’s quarterback, threw a crucial 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Grayson Brousseau during the second overtime, sealing the dramatic win for the Knights.
As the game unfolded, BYU found themselves in a position to extend the match into a third overtime, needing a touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion. The Cougars advanced to the UCF 4-yard line, but Bear Bachmeier’s pass to Walker Lyons fell incomplete on fourth down, handing UCF the victory.
This loss came just a week after BYU had celebrated a victory over then-No. 2 Notre Dame, which had propelled them to their highest ranking in the AP Top 25 since their national championship season in 1984. The defeat marked another chapter in a season where several top-ranked teams have faced unexpected challenges.
UCF showcased resilience throughout the game, including a pivotal moment in regulation when Jenkins appeared to fumble the ball, which was ruled a sack initially. After a review, the call was overturned to an incomplete pass, followed by a penalty against BYU for unsportsmanlike conduct, allowing UCF’s kicker Will Stone to attempt a 47-yard field goal. However, the attempt was blocked, pushing the game into overtime.
Jenkins delivered an impressive performance, completing 25 of 41 passes for 293 yards and three touchdowns, alongside a rushing touchdown. His ability to lead the Knights comes after stepping in for Alonza Barnett III, who is currently recovering from a hamstring injury. UCF’s head coach Scott Frost praised Jenkins, emphasizing that he is not just a backup but a key player capable of making significant impacts on the field.
The Knights’ offense was bolstered by Tyren Hornes, who caught six passes for 137 yards, and Duke Watson, who ran for 94 yards on 15 carries. On the opposing side, Bachmeier managed to throw for 257 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, while Kyler Kasper recorded six receptions for 129 yards.
In a tense final stretch of regulation, UCF drove down to the BYU 1-yard line but failed to score on a quarterback sneak by Jenkins on fourth-and-goal. Coach Frost commented on the unusual ending, noting, “That’s the weirdest end of a game I have ever seen.” The first overtime saw BYU take the lead with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Bachmeier to Legend Glasker, only for Jenkins to respond with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Josh Derry, keeping the game alive.
The game featured five lead changes, with Jenkins’ touchdown run late in the third quarter giving UCF a 24-21 lead before BYU equalized with a 47-yard field goal from Matthias Dunn early in the fourth quarter. This rollercoaster match not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also highlighted UCF’s growth under Coach Frost, who previously led the Knights to an undefeated season in 2017.
Looking ahead, BYU will host Arizona State next Saturday, while UCF will welcome Baylor on Friday. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to solidify their standings within the competitive landscape of college football.
___
For the latest updates and insights on college football, sign up for Top 25 poll alerts and visit AP’s full college football coverage.
