UCF's annual Space Game - a tradition that celebrates both Knights football and the university's connection to the space industry. The Space Game always provides the team with an extra jolt of energy, as new jerseys are unveiled and the Bounce House is packed full of SpaceU students. 

So far, UCF has accumulated a perfect 8-0 record in Space Games, but this year will be a big test. This Friday, at 8:00 p.m. the Knights (4-4. 1-4 Big 12) will take on the Houston Cougars (7-2, 4-2 Big 12).

UCF head coach Scott Frost played in the first ever Space Game during his first tenure in Orlando, but says that it has grown substantially since then. 

"I've got to be honest. I didn't know I coached in a Space Game," Frost told media while dawning the baby blue SpaceU gear. "I knew our uniforms were different, but I don't think it was a big deal back then, so it's kind of cool that we were part of the first one. I kind of like the life that it's taken on."

Houston has shocked a lot of people with how well they have played this season, as ESPN ranked the Cougars dead last in a preseason Big 12 poll.

Texas A&M transfer quarterback Conner Weigman has been a huge proponent of the team's success, throwing for 1,890 yards and 16 touchdowns this season.  

This is the second straight week UCF will be dealing with a dynamic quarterback, but Weigman's style differs from Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson. 

Senior linebacker Cole Kozlowski tole media Monday that he has "a lot of respect" for Weigman's toughness in the run game and his ability to fight for extra yards.

"It seems like he knows what he's doing out there. It seems like he is really going to fight for those extra yards," Kozlowski said. So, getting everyone swarming to the ball and stopping him, could be the key, yeah."

Weigman has worked on becoming a more effective runner, adding nine touchdowns on the ground after scoring just twice in his three seasons as an Aggie.

Frost said Monday that he hadn't had the chance to watch Weigman's full game against West Virginia, but said that he was impressed with his "toughness" and "leadership."

"It seemed like everything went through him [Weigman]...," Frost said. "I know we've got a tough, competitive quarterback coming in here."

Weigman's go-to receiver is junior UAB transfer Amare Thomas. Thomas has scored seven times this season and is averaging close to 16 yards per reception. 

Last week, in a shocking 45-35 loss to West Virginia, Thomas hauled in ten catches for 99 yards and scored three times. 

UCF will need to focus on containing this pass attack and look to get the defense off the field on later downs. Last week against Baylor, the Knights allowed Robertson to orchestrate long, sustained drives, as the Bears converted on 8-17 third downs and 2-3 fourth down tries. 

The Knights will also need to attack a reeling Cougar defense early, which allowed 45 points to a West Virginia true freshman quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. 

The added energy and buzz centered around the Space Game should help UCF's offense find an early rhythm. If the Knights can capitalize on that early momentum, they’ll have a strong chance to set the tone early and atone for their ugly 30-3 loss last week.