Outside of explosive plays, UCF's offense struggled to put together long drives and find a rhythm Saturday against Kansas State. Of the four scoring drives UCF cultivated, only two featured the Knights' picking up more than one first down. Both UCF touchdowns were gains of over 50 yards.
"We didn't start well enough on offense," UCF Head Coach Scott Frost told the media following the 34-20 loss against Kansas State. "We didn't earn any first downs at the start of the game."
The Knights' defensive dominance in the first quarter this season continued, as UCF delivered yet another shutout opening frame. On the opening drive of the game, redshirt junior cornerback Demari Henderson was able to identify Kansas State's trickery, intercepting Wildcat tight end Linkon Cure on an attempted double-pass. The Knights have forced a turnover in each game this season.
However, Kansas State was also locked in on the defensive side of the ball, limiting UCF to just 20 yards of offense in the first quarter. The Wildcats were finally able to break the scoreless tie early in the second quarter, executing a 10-play drive, and nailing a 38-yard field goal.
The following drive, UCF junior quarterback Tayven Jackson fired an incomplete pass intended for junior wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr.
Jackson was lit up after the throw, and immediately came up walking gimpy. Jackson immediately headed for the medical tent while holding his left arm.
Rallying around their injured quarterback, UCF's defense forced a three-and-out in the following drive, still trailing 3-0.
Junior quarterback Jacurri Brown replaced Jackson as the Knights' signal caller, but immediately surrendered possession back to the Wildcats after an ill-advised throw that ended up in purple gloves.
Kansas State took advantage of Brown's mistake, capitalizing on prime field position and punching in a one yard touchdown run to push the lead to 10-0. This was the first opening-half touchdown surrendered by the Knights through their first five games.
Following Kansas State's touchdown, UCF opened their offensive drive behind schedule, losing five yards on first down. But, on second and long, Brown uncorked his second throw of the game - an 82-yard touchdown to redshirt junior DJ Black to open the scoring for UCF.
Unfortunately, UCF was unable to build upon this momentum, as Kansas State answered with a touchdown of its own just before intermission.
The Knights trailed 17-7 at halftime.
After a quick offensive series for the Knights, Kansas State mustered another impressive drive, capping it off with another goal line score. Kansas State junior quarterback Avery Johnson faked an outside handoff and flipped a 1-yard shovel pass to his tight end to increase the Wildcat lead to 24-7.
Following another Brown turnover, this time a fumble, UCF was running out of time.
Thankfully, late in the third quarter, Jackson returned for UCF, leading the Knights down the field quickly before penalties halted the drive just over midfield. UCF senior kicker Noe Ruelas nailed a career-high 53 yard field goal to make it a two-possession game.
Following the game, Jackson spoke on his injury status and his decision to return to the game. He said he received an x-ray in the locker room which indicated an AC joint injury. "I just want to go out there for my teammates and I don't want to let them down," Jackson said. "If I can't get worse, then might as well gut it out." Jackson credited Frost for teaching the team to play for each other and "being tough." All signs point to Jackson playing next Saturday.
However, Kansas State star running back Dylan Edwards broke off a 75-yard score in the Wildcats first play from scrimmage following the field goal, pushing UCF to the brink. Edwards, who had been injured in Kansas State's previous four match-ups, gave UCF fits in his return, accumulating 166 yards on the ground on 20 carries (8.3 yards per carry).
Thanks to another field goal from Ruelas and a 54-yard touchdown run from big-play threat Jaden Nixon, UCF was able to cut the lead to 11 with just under 10 minutes to play.
But, the Kansas State offense managed possessions well late, maintaining their double-digit lead, and ultimately silencing UCF's comeback efforts.
Following the defeat, the Knights fall to a record of 3-1, with an 0-1 record in conference play.
For UCF fans, Jackson being able to return to the game following his injury is a promising sign he will be good to go next week. They will need him healthy in order to keep up with Kansas' high octane offensive attack. The Jayhawks sit at just 3-2, 1-1 Big 12, this season, but can score in bunches, averaging 36.6 points per game.
The Knights will be staying familiar with opponents from the Sunflower State as they play host to the Kansas Jayhawks next Saturday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 pm.