UCF QB Alonza Barnett III Excited for Pittsburgh Matchup

Alonza Barnett III has played in some of the toughest away environments throughout his career, and it’s prepared him for the UCF Knights’ toughest matchup against the Pittsburgh Panthers this Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Barnett recalled Autzen Stadium — home of the Oregon Ducks — as one of the most hostile environments he played in. His lone appearance on Oregon’s home turf came during the most exciting period of the season, the College Football Playoffs.

He led the James Madison Dukes, his previous school, to its first postseason appearance in program history and did not shy away from the crippling pressure. Barnett put together a three-touchdown, 318-yard performance in JMU’s 51-34 loss.

The JMU transfer said he is looking forward to the challenge, facing an ACC opponent that went 8-4 last season and retained quarterback Mason Heintschel and running back Ja’Kyrian Turner.

“There's no cowering,” Barnett said during last Thursday’s post-game press conference. “There's no shying down. Like I said, I’ve prayed for this moment. I prayed for this opportunity.”

Pittsburgh, like UCF, is coming off a blowout victory over an FCS program — Miami (OH). Heintschel started the season with an electric 453-yard, seven-touchdown performance and completed 31-for-41 passes.

The sophomore earned the highest grade from Pro Football Network at 94.9, beating Miami’s Darian Mensah (93.7). His passing ability could play into UCF’s strength: its secondary.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch turned the secondary into a top-three pass defense in the Big 12 last season. 

UCF finished third in passing yards allowed (185.1), behind Utah (177.8) and Arizona (165.3).

The four-man tandem of Jayden Bellamy, Braeden Marshall, Demari Henderson and Phillip Dunnam manned the secondary unit. Dunnam led the team in interceptions (three), and Bellamy led the defensive backs group in passes defended (eight).

How Pittsburgh’s receivers are guarded and whether UCF can generate takeaways will likely determine Saturday’s outcome.

Barnett will also carry the burden on offense of putting his teammates in position to make big plays. He had a solid performance against Bethune-Cookman, but threw an interception to end the first half.

The Knights, who have historically started the season 3-0 in the last three years, face an early test against another Power Four program. How they fare against the Panthers could be an early indicator of how they’ll perform in conference play.