The Knights face a pivotal showdown against TCU’s elite run defense to shed their underdog status.
The UCF Knights are embarking on the toughest part of their schedule, Big 12 conference play, and they want to earn respect to prove doubters wrong.
They have an abysmal 7-20 record since joining the Big 12 in 2023. Jumping to a Power Four conference has exposed the discipline difference between UCF and its opponents.
The Knights' offense struggles to string together long scoring drives, which tires out the defense, who are often on the field more.
Offensive lineman Preston Cushman said he's aware of the low expectations around the team, and Saturday's conference opener against TCU is their chance to rewrite the narrative.
"People still got us down and just go prove everyone and earn it," Cushman said during Monday's media availability. "Like we say all the time, it's just earn it."
UCF underwent its first challenge in Week 2 on the road against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The offense scored one touchdown, as Pittsburgh neutralized the run and extended its opponents' road losing streak to 10 straight.
TCU has a strong run defense, limiting opponents to 79.3 yards per game, which is fifth-best in the conference.
The Knights' run game is their bread and butter, as Duke Watson leads the team with 297 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the nation with 11 yards per carry, surpassing his freshman average at Louisville.
Limiting Watson puts more emphasis on quarterback Keyone Jenkins to execute in the passing game and on the offensive line to create a clean pocket and open gaps.
Cushman stressed that winning one-on-one matchups is key to putting UCF in position to win.
"If someone does screw up, we got enough playmakers on the field to make somebody right," Cushman said. "But every rep's a one-on-one matchup. Just win it, and we'll be in a pretty good spot."
It's the second matchup between the Knights and the Horned Frogs. UCF won the first matchup, 35-34, with a valiant second-half comeback on Sept. 14, 2024.
Former quarterback KJ Jefferson threw for 230 yards and three touchdowns; current Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns; and wide receiver Kobe Hudson had 145 yards and two touchdowns.
The Knights opened conference play on a strong note that season, but went 1-7 in the following Big 12 games.
UCF can repeat history against TCU and win its first conference home opener. It lost the first two openers against the Colorado Buffaloes and the Kansas Jayhawks.
Conference play has kept the Knights from earning a bowl bid for two straight seasons, and with an improved roster, this season could be a turnaround year.
UCF will host TCU at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Acrisure Bounce House.
