Alonza Barnett III: UCF is Better Than 5-4 Record

Following UCF's road victory over Kansas, the Knights are back above .500 at 5-4, and are one game away from securing their first bowl berth since head coach Scott Frost's return to the program.

Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III had his most-impactful game as a Knight, looking healthy and dynamic after returning from injury.

Accumulating nearly 300 total yards of offense, Barnett displayed his abilities as a dual-threat quarterback, rushing for a season-high 36 yards on the ground, and converting multiple crucial downs.

His longest scamper of the night was a 22-yard run, Barnett's best of the season, and signified some serious improvements in his health.

After the victory, Barnett spoke to media about what he and the Knights are looking to achieve from here on out.

"I believe we're better than out record," Barnett told 247 Sports. "We still have the rest of the season to write what we want this team's legacy to be."

With three games left on UCF's schedule, a Big 12 Championship run is likely out of the picture, but the Knights can still pick up some big conference victories and earn a respectable bowl bid.

Barnett's final collegiate season has not gone to plan, with a cracked rib forcing significant missed time, but the former James Madison standout can still leave his mark on the program.

Being able to carry over the momentum from Saturday's road victory will be a focus as well, as the Knights are not far off their 41-9 bludgeoning at the hands of Baylor two weekends ago.

"We need to play better after a win," Frost said in Monday's press conference.

Heading into a home matchup against Arizona State, UCF will face off with a team who is very similar to itself.

The Sun Devils are coming off a 20-10 victory over Colorado, and are also sitting at 5-4 overall with a 3-3 record in the conference.

Like the Knights, Arizona State does a lot of damage through the ground game, with freshman tailback Cardae Mack averaging nearly six yards per carry.

Mack has accumulated 603 yards and six touchdowns with his legs, while adding an additional 123 yards and a score in the receiving game.

Three weeks ago, against Kansas State, Mack exploded for 159 rushing yards and four touchdowns, accounting for 100% of his team's scoring in a 28-17 victory.

Keeping Mack contained will be a focus for UCF's defense, which has held up against the run to this point in the season.

UCF can secure a bowl berth with a victory on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.