UCF QB Keyone Jenkins Reflects on Blown Opportunity

UCF once again competed against a ranked conference opponent, faltering in the second half in the 42-28 loss against No. 18 Oklahoma State.

The Knights' offense was clicking in the first half, keeping up with the Cowboys' offensive attack, and scoring 21 points.

But similar to Houston, UCF struggled in the second half, scoring just seven points after the break.

Backup quarterback Keyone Jenkins once again produced, throwing for 265 yards and four touchdowns.

But, following the game, Jenkins expressed it wasn't enough.

"I feel like I let my teammates down," Jenkins said.

While Jenkins played a very good overall game, he did have a big mistake in the fourth quarter, fumbling on an 11-yard loss.

The fumble resulted in Oklahoma State recovering and taking it the other way for six, extending the lead to two scores.

Jenkins added another touchdown to redshirt freshman tight end Caden Piening later in the quarter, but there wasn't enough time to mount a comeback.

The production from the running game was not great for the Knights, who relied heavily on Jenkins' ability to use his arm and legs to move the chains.

UCF's backfield did break some big runs throughout the game, but were also blown up on multiple outside runs, putting the offense behind the sticks.

One positive sign for head coach Scott Frost going forward is the continued production from Monmouth transfer Josh Derry.

Against the Cowboys, Derry once again led the receiving attack, recording eleven catches for 84 yards and a touchdown.

Without Duane Thomas Jr., Derry has emerged as Jenkins' go-to target, earning his stripes in his first season at the FBS level.

Last week, against Houston, Derry recorded seven grabs for 103 yards and a touchdown, once again making big plays over the middle of the field.

With Thomas likely to return next week against No. 8 BYU, UCF will add more firepower to the offense for Jenkins to utilize.

Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III is likely to return from injury in the coming weeks, but Jenkins remains the main QB until that time comes.

Against BYU, who remains the primary powerhouse in the conference thus far, the Knights will need to continue to rely on Jenkins' ability to push the ball downfield.

Last season, UCF got off to a hot start against the Cougars in Provo, UT, but the early momentum fizzled out later in the game.

The Knights will look to pick up a statement victory and get back above .500 in Week 7.