Brandon Alexander was the savior of the Knights Thursday night, forcing two turnovers in another closely contended game – the second of which wrenched victory from the jaws of defeat in a shocking 17-12 win over the University of Houston.
With under 30 seconds left on the clock, Houston quarterback Greg Ward Jr. took off on a quarterback keeper and came within inches putting the ball in the end zone before Alexander knocked it loose through the back of the end zone. Salvation came from what at first glance looked like a sure-fire touchdown, one that would have almost certainly put the game out of reach for UCF.
Sponsored Advertisement (Story Continues Below)
Ward Jr. was the Cougars backup quarterback entering the game, but was thrust into action after starter John O’Korn was benched in reaction to two costly interceptions. Alexander’s pick in the third quarter ended O’Korn’s day on the field.
The three UCF takeaways were the clear difference in this game; Houston actually outgained the Knights 331 yards to 228. UH had entered the game known for their takeaway prowess, but only managed to recover one fumble early in the game.
The Knights’ defense played better than the total yardage suggest, completely quarantining their end zone as they held UH to four field goals. Three turnovers and four key stops in their own territory can be attributed to the resiliency of this veteran defense.
Both Cougars quarterbacks were harassed all night by the UCF pass rush, which managed five sacks for a total loss of 43 yards. The Cougars’ running game was far from eliminated, but could muster only a pedestrian 3.5 yards per carry.
Justin Holman did not have his most efficient night under center, completing only six of his eighteen pass attempts for 101 yards and two touchdowns. He did manage to go his second consecutive game without throwing an interception, showing progress as he learns to read these AAC defenses.
One of his touchdowns was a 52 yard completion to fleet-footed Breshad Perriman, which would be his only reception of the night. All six of Holman’s completions were to a different receiver, following true on his statement that he has no go-to receiver.
The running game was dominated by William Stanback in terms of carries, but even though he out-touched Dontravious Wilson 14-7, Wilson averaged two full yards more per carry and had the longest burst of the day with a fourteen yard gain. As a whole the Knights did manage 127 yards on the ground.
In their first American Athletic Conference game of the Season, UCF did not look like the dominant Fiesta Bowl Champions they at the end of the conference’s inaugural season.
What they showed was that even after a disheartening start to the season, this team knows how to win. They are identifying themselves with each of these close games, but have already built around a tradition of ‘never say die’.
The win moves the Knights to 2-2 on the season and 1-0 in American Athletic Conference play.
