The 2023 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) as a member of the Big 12 Conference during the 2023 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by Gus Malzahn in his third year as the Knights head coach. The team played their home games at FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Quick Facts UCF Knights football, Gasparilla Bowl, L 17–30 vs. Georgia Tech ...
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More information Conf, Overall ...
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UCF officially moved into the Big 12 Conference for the 2023 season. In doing so, the Knights became the first NCAA football program to play at every sanctioned level: Division III, Division II, Division I-AA, Division I-A (Independent), Group of Five, and Power Five.[2]
In their first season as part of the Big 12, the Knights jumped out to a 3–0 start, including a last-second victory at Boise State. However, quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered an ankle injury in the final minute of the Boise State game, which would sideline him for a month. Redshirt sophomore Timmy McClain took over at quarterback as the Knights entered the conference portion of their schedule. In their first intra-conference home game, the Knights jumped out to a 35–7 lead over Baylor, but blew a 28-point lead, and lost 36–35. The Knights suffered a five-game skid, slipping to 3–5. With Plumlee back to full strength in November, the Knights won three of their last four games to finish the regular season 6–6 overall (3–6 in the Big 12), and became bowl eligible for the eighth consecutive season. Of the four newcomers that joined the Big 12 for 2023 (BYU, Cincinnati, and Houston being the others), UCF finished with the best record, and was the only one bowl-eligible.
Spring game
The 2023 UCF spring exhibition game was played on Friday April 14 at FBC Mortgage Stadium. The team was split into two squads for gameplay, the Knights and the 'Nauts.[5]
More information Date, Time ...
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Award watch lists
A total of eight players were named to the preseason All-Big 12 mentions,[6] and eight players were named to the Senior Bowl watchlist.[7]
More information Award, Player ...
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Big 12 preseason poll
The Big 12 preseason poll was released on July 6.[21] UCF was voted 8th in the conference. First place votes in parentheses.
More information Predicted finish, Team ...
| Big 12 media poll |
|
| Predicted finish |
Team |
Points |
| 1 | Texas (41) | 886 |
| 2 | Kansas State (14) | 858 |
| 3 | Oklahoma (4) | 758 |
| 4 | Texas Tech (4) | 729 |
| 5 | TCU (3) | 727 |
| 6 | Baylor | 572 |
| 7 | Oklahoma State (1) | 470 |
| 8 | UCF | 463 |
| 9 | Kansas | 461 |
| 10 | Iowa State | 334 |
| 11 | BYU | 318 |
| 12 | Houston | 215 |
| 13 | Cincinnati | 202 |
| 14 | West Virginia | 129 |
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The 2023 season is UCF's first as a member of the Big 12 Conference.[22] The conference utilizes a nine-game conference schedule, with three out-of-conference games annually.[23] Furthermore, the conference requires at least one of the three out-of-conference games to be against a Power Five opponent.[24] UCF successfully petitioned for a first-year, one-time waiver to count their game at Boise State as their Power Five non-conference opponent, taking into account Boise State's recent successes and status as a top Group of Five team.[24]
More information Date, Time ...
| Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|
| 7:00 p.m.[25] | Kent State* | | FS1 | W 56–6 | 44,088 |
| September 9 | 7:00 p.m.[25] | at Boise State* | | FS1 | W 18–16 | 36,447 |
| September 16 | 6:30 p.m.[25] | No. 24 (FCS) Villanova* | - FBC Mortgage Stadium
- Orlando, FL
| ESPN+ | W 48–14 | 44,206 |
| September 23 | 8:00 p.m.[26] | at Kansas State | | FS1 | L 31–44 | 51,912 |
| September 30 | 3:30 p.m. | Baylor | - FBC Mortgage Stadium
- Orlando, FL
| FS1 | L 35–36 | 44,005 |
| October 7 | 4:00 p.m. | at Kansas | | FOX | L 22–51 | 46,107 |
| October 21 | 12:00 p.m. | at No. 6 Oklahoma | | ABC | L 29–31 | 83,476 |
| October 28 | 12:00 p.m. | West Virginia | - FBC Mortgage Stadium
- Orlando, FL
| FS1[lower-alpha 1] | L 28–41 | 44,136 |
| November 4 | 3:30 p.m. | at Cincinnati | | FS1 | W 28–26 | 38,193 |
| November 11 | 3:30 p.m. | No. 15 Oklahoma State | | ESPN | W 45−3 | 44,046 |
| November 18 | 5:30 p.m. | at Texas Tech | | FS2 | L 23−24 | 53,851 |
| November 25 | 12:00 p.m. | Houston | - FBC Mortgage Stadium
- Orlando, FL
| FS1 | W 27–13 | 43,610 |
| 6:30 p.m. | vs. Georgia Tech* | | ESPN | L 17–30 | 30,281 |
|
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Partially aired on FOX as a look-in due to lightning delayed Oklahoma-Kansas game
Kent State
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Golden Flashes |
3 |
0 |
3 | 0 | 6 |
| Knights |
14 |
14 |
14 | 14 | 56 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: Xavier Townsend 9-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:56
- UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 17-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 6:07
- Kent State: Andrew Glass 45-yard field goal, 3:20
- Second Quarter
- UCF: Jordan McDonald 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 8:46
- UCF: Alec Holler 18-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 0:42
- Third Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 50-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:37
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 48-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 4:07
- Kent State: Andrew Glass 43-yard field goal, 0:49
- Fourth Quarter
- UCF: Mark-Antony Richards 7-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 7:26
- UCF: Demarkcus Bowman 5-yard touchdown (Colton Boomer kick), 0:54
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More information Statistics, KENT ...
| Statistics | KENT | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 15 | 32 |
| Total yards | 240 | 723 |
| Rushing yards | 95 | 389 |
| Passing yards | 145 | 334 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 3 |
| Time of possession | 28:34 | 31:26 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Kent State | Passing | Michael Alaimo | 12–31, 145 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Gavin Garcia | 18 carries, 45 yards |
| Receiving | Chrishon McCray | 3 receptions, 61 yards |
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 22–30, 281 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 12 carries, 100 yards |
| Receiving | Xavier Townsend | 5 receptions, 81 yards, 1 TD |
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Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw for 281 yards and rushed for 90 yards as the Knights routed Kent State 56–6 on Thursday night. The game marked UCF's first football game as a member of the Big 12. The Knights won their 8th consecutive season opener.
at Boise State
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
3 |
6 |
0 | 9 | 18 |
| Broncos |
7 |
3 |
0 | 6 | 16 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 50-yard field goal, 7:27
- Boise State: Ashton Jeanty 38-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green (Jonah Dalmas kick), 4:20
- Second Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 33-yard field goal, 8:32
- Boise State: Jonah Dalmas 56-yard field goal, 3:14
- UCF: Colton Boomer 55-yard field goal, 1:01
- Third Quarter
- Fourth Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 5-yard touchdown run (pass failed), 7:55
- Boise State: Stefan Cobbs 28-yard touchdown pass from Taylen Green (pass failed), 1:49
- UCF: Colton Boomer 40-yard field goal, 0:00
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UCF Knights at Boise State Broncos
at Albertsons Stadium, Boise, ID
- Date: September 9, 2023
- Game time: 5:00 p.m. MDT / 7:00 p.m. EDT
- Game attendance: 36,447
- TV announcers (FS1): Eric Collins and Devin Gardner
- Gamecast
More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | BSU |
|---|
| First downs | 23 | 22 |
| Total yards | 530 | 384 |
| Rushing yards | 258 | 173 |
| Passing yards | 272 | 211 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 28:03 | 31:57 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–24, 272 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT |
| Rushing | John Rhys Plumlee | 11 carries, 73 yards |
| Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 5 receptions, 134 yards |
| Boise State | Passing | Taylen Green | 9–19, 144 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Ashton Jeanty | 24 carries, 115 yards |
| Receiving | Ashton Jeanty | 5 receptions, 97 yards, 1 TD |
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Colton Boomer kicked a 40-yard game-winning field goal as time expired to lift the Knights over the Boise State Broncos by the score of 18–16. Boomer went 4-for-4 on field goals, including a school record-tying 55 yarder in the second quarter. Late in the game, quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered a leg injury which will require him to miss multiple weeks.[28]
No. 24 (FCS) Villanova
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 24 (FCS) Wildcats |
0 |
0 |
0 | 14 | 14 |
| Knights |
17 |
17 |
7 | 7 | 48 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 26-yard field goal, 9:21
- UCF: Jordan McDonald 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 4:51
- UCF: Jordan McDonald 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 1:01
- Second Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 5-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 7:47
- UCF: Javon Baker 25 Yd pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 5:04
- UCF: Colton Boomer 41-yard field goal, 0:25
- Third Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 24-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 5:12
- Fourth Quarter
- Villanova: Connor Watkins 3-yard touchdown run (Matthew Mercurio kick), 13:42
- UCF: Jaylon Griffin 36-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 11:22
- Villanova: T.D. Ayo-Durojaiye 11-yard touchdown run (Matthew Mercurio kick), 4:44
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More information Statistics, NOVA ...
| Statistics | NOVA | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 11 | 31 |
| Total yards | 228 | 600 |
| Rushing yards | 84 | 251 |
| Passing yards | 144 | 349 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 27:08 | 32:52 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Villanova | Passing | Connor Watkins | 9-23, 144 yards, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Deewil Barlee | 7 carries, 39 yards |
| Receiving | Jaylan Sanchez | 1 receptions, 45 yards |
| UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 20–28, 321 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 14 carries, 85 yards, 2 TD |
| Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 6 receptions, 147 yards |
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Timmy McClain started at quarterback for the injured John Rhys Plumlee. McClain threw for 321 yards, and the UCF offense racked up 600 total yards as the Knights soundly defeated FCS #24 Villanova by the score of 48–14.
at Kansas State
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
10 |
7 |
7 | 7 | 31 |
| Wildcats |
7 |
14 |
10 | 13 | 44 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 1-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 11:34
- UCF: Colton Boomer 29-yard field goal, 9:08
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 27-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 1:47
- Second Quarter
- Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 9-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 12:19
- Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 18-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 6:20
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 69-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer Kick), 3:19
- Third Quarter
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 46-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 13:40
- Kansas State: Chris Tennant 30-yard field goal, 9:33
- Kansas State: Will Howard 2-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 1:28
- Fourth Quarter
- Kansas State: D.J. Gidden 3-yard touchdown run (PAT failed), 4:01
- Kansas State: Will Howard 31-yard touchdown run (Chris Tennant kick), 2:01
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 0:03
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More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | KSU |
|---|
| First downs | 19 | 32 |
| Total yards | 407 | 536 |
| Rushing yards | 143 | 255 |
| Passing yards | 264 | 255 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 25:37 | 34:23 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 14-24, 264 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 6 carries, 76 yards |
| Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 6 receptions, 138 yards, 2 TD |
| Kansas State | Passing | Will Howard | 27-42, 255 yards, 1 INT |
| Rushing | D. J. Giddens | 30 carries, 207 yards, 4 TD |
| Receiving | D. J. Giddens | 8 receptions, 96 yards |
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UCF traveled to Kansas State for their first-ever intra-conference game in the Big 12. Timmy McClain once again started at quarterback, throwing for 264 yards and three touchdowns. The Knights defense, however, could not contain the Wildcats offense, and lost by the score of 44–31. D.J. Giddens rushed for 207 yards and 4 touchdowns, and caught 8 balls for another 86 yards. The game was tied 24–24 midway through the third quarter, but Kansas State put the game away with 20 unanswered points. Ten penalties for 80 yards on UCF, two turnovers in Wildcats territory, plus a lopsided time of possession were factors in the loss.
Baylor
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Bears |
7 |
0 |
3 | 26 | 36 |
| Knights |
21 |
7 |
7 | 0 | 35 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: Johnny Richardson 79-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 13:13
- UCF: Timmy McClain 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:09
- UCF: Javon Baker 65-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 6:17
- Baylor: Blake Shapen 2-yard touchdown run (Isaiah Hankins Kick), 2:03
- Second Quarter
- UCF: Demari Henderson 87-yard fumble return touchdown (Colton Boomer kick), 11:12
- Third Quarter
- UCF: Xavier Townsend 6-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer kick), 8:08
- Baylor: Isaiah Hankins 30-yard field goal, 3:20
- Fourth Quarter
- Baylor: Dawson Pendergrass 6-yard touchdown run (Shapen pass to Ketron Jackson Jr.), 12:38
- Baylor: Monaray Baldwin 5-yard touchdown pass from Blake Shapen (Shapen pass to Jordan Nabors), 9:38
- Baylor: Caden Jenkins 72-yard fumble return touchdown (Isaiah Hankins kick), 6:02
- Baylor: Isaiah Hankins 25-yard field goal, 1:21
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More information Statistics, BU ...
| Statistics | BU | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 22 | 18 |
| Total yards | 446 | 469 |
| Rushing yards | 153 | 235 |
| Passing yards | 293 | 234 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 35:31 | 24:29 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Baylor | Passing | Blake Shapen | 21-34, 293 yards, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Richard Reese | 16 carries, 100 yards |
| Receiving | Monaray Baldwin | 7 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD |
| UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 13-25, 234 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Johnny Richardson | 6 carries, 105 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 3 receptions, 113 yards, 1 TD |
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UCF hosted Baylor for their first intra-conference home game in the Big 12. The game was a rematch of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. The Knights blew a 35–7 lead. Baylor scored a go-ahead field goal with 1:21 remaining and won 36–35. On the first play from scrimmage, Johnny Richardson broke free for a 79-yard touchdown run, and after two more quick scores, UCF jumped out to an early 21–0 lead. The Knights eventually built a 35–7 lead, which they held late in the third quarter. Baylor scored 29 unanswered points, including two touchdown passes from Blake Shapen, and a 72-yard fumble return for a touchdown. UCF got the ball back one last time with 1:21 remaining. Colton Boomer's 59-yard field goal attempt fell no good as time expired, and Baylor escaped with the victory.
at Kansas
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
0 |
0 |
8 | 14 | 22 |
| Jayhawks |
3 |
21 |
13 | 14 | 51 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- Kansas: Seth Keller 25-yard field goal, 3:42
- Second Quarter
- Kansas: Lawrence Arnold 5-yard touchdown pass from Jason Bean (Seth Keller Kick), 13:43
- Kansas: Daniel Hishaw Jr. 3-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 6:31
- Kansas: Trevor Wilson 82-yard punt return touchdown (Seth Keller Kick), 3:26
- Third Quarter
- Kansas: Devin Neal 75-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 14:48
- UCF: Alec Holler 13-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (pass failed), 13:01
- Kansas: Dylan McDuffie 1-yard touchdown run, 7:02
- UCF: Demari Henderson Defensive PAT Conversion, 7:02
- Fourth Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 4-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 13:55
- Kansas: Daniel Hishaw Jr. 7-yard touchdown run (Seth Keller Kick), 11:47
- UCF: Randy Pittman 23-yard touchdown pass from Timmy McClain (Colton Boomer Kick), 10:09
- Kansas: Dylan McDuffie 1-yard touchdown run (Owen Piepergerdes Kick), 0:53
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More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | KU |
|---|
| First downs | 21 | 25 |
| Total yards | 371 | 490 |
| Rushing yards | 202 | 399 |
| Passing yards | 169 | 91 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 25:35 | 34:25 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | Timmy McClain | 12-15, 136 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 16 carries, 133 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 85 yards |
| Kansas | Passing | Jason Bean | 8-12, 91 yards, 1 TD |
| Rushing | Devin Neal | 12 carries, 154 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Luke Grimm | 2 receptions, 41 yards |
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John Rhys Plumlee returned to start at quarterback, but played for only three drives in the first half. Timmy McClain took over and played the rest of the game. Kansas dominated UCF, jumping out to a 31–0 lead, and pulling away for a 51–22 victory. The Jayhawks put up 399 yards rushing, while UCF was held to a season-low 371 total yards.
at No. 6 Oklahoma
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
0 |
17 |
6 | 6 | 29 |
| No. 6 Sooners |
7 |
10 |
0 | 14 | 31 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- Oklahoma: Nic Anderson 29-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 7:48
- Second Quarter
- UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 11:49
- UCF: Colton Boomer 21-yard field goal, 4:01
- Oklahoma: Nic Anderson 42-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 1:51
- UCF: Javon Baker 86-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 1:24
- Oklahoma: Zach Schmit 25-yard field goal, 0:00
- Third Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 48-yard field goal, 11:51
- UCF: Colton Boomer 46-yard field goal, 5:28
- Fourth Quarter
- Oklahoma: Drake Stoops 11-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel (Zach Schmit Kick), 9:16
- Oklahoma: Gavin Sawchuk 30-yard touchdown run (Zach Schmit Kick), 3:13
- UCF: Javon Baker 12-yard touchdown pass John Rhys Plumlee (Two-point conversion failed), 1:16
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More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | OKLA |
|---|
| First downs | 20 | 30 |
| Total yards | 397 | 442 |
| Rushing yards | 149 | 189 |
| Passing yards | 248 | 253 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 30:16 | 29:44 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–30, 248 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 23 carries, 101 yards |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 5 receptions, 134 yards, 2 TD |
| Oklahoma | Passing | Dillon Gabriel | 25–38, 253 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Marcus Major | 18 carries, 82 yards |
| Receiving | Nic Anderson | 5 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD |
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UCF traveled to Norman to take on Oklahoma. Facing former quarterback Dillon Gabriel, the Knights nearly upset the No. 6 ranked Sooners. UCF led 23–17 after three quarters, before Oklahoma scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to take a 31–23 lead. John Rhys Plumlee, back in the starting lineup, drove the Knights 75 yards in 9 plays. On 4th & 10 at the Oklahoma 12, Plumee found Javon Baker for a 12-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 31–29 with 1:16 left in regulation. UCF's two-point conversion attempt was snuffed out, and the Sooners held on for the victory.
West Virginia
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Mountaineers |
10 |
7 |
7 | 17 | 41 |
| Knights |
7 |
7 |
7 | 7 | 28 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- WVU: Garrett Greene 6-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 10:57
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 34-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 7:06
- WVU: Michael Hayes 24-yard field goal, 2:01
- Second Quarter
- WVU: Jahiem White 4-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 10:02
- UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 5:50
- Third Quarter
- WVU: Garrett Greene 7-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 9:01
- UCF: Javon Baker 7-yard touchdown from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 5:25
- Fourth Quarter
- WVU: Garrett Greene 1-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 14:12
- WVU: C.J. Donaldson 1-yard touchdown run (Michael Hayes kick), 9:25
- WVU: Michael Hayes 41-yard field goal, 5:15
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 16-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 1:46
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More information Statistics, WVU ...
| Statistics | WVU | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 25 | 27 |
| Total yards | 450 | 463 |
| Rushing yards | 286 | 189 |
| Passing yards | 164 | 274 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 4 |
| Time of possession | 36:06 | 23:54 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| West Virginia | Passing | Garrett Greene | 14-23, 156 yards |
| Rushing | C.J. Donaldson | 17 carries, 121 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Devin Carter | 3 receptions, 47 yards |
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 25–36, 274 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT |
| Rushing | RJ Harvey | 14 carries, 100 yards |
| Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 3 receptions, 66 yards, 2 TD |
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UCF hosted West Virginia on Homecoming. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw three interceptions and lost a fumble, as the Mountaineers won 41–28. West Virginia put up 286 yards rushing, and quarterback Garrett Greene ran for three touchdowns.
at Cincinnati
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
7 |
7 |
7 | 7 | 28 |
| Bearcats |
3 |
7 |
7 | 9 | 26 |
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More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- Cincinnati: Carter Brown 39-yard field goal, 9:58
- UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:20
- Second Quarter
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 13-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 4:12
- Cincinnati: Braden Smith 11-yard touchdown pass from Emory Jones (Carter Brown Kick), 1:56
- Third Quarter
- Cincinnati: Ryan Montgomery 2-yard touchdown run (Carter Brown Kick), 5:19
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 25-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 0:31
- Fourth Quarter
- Cincinnati: Carter Brown 28-yard field goal, 6:21
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer Kick), 2:41
- Cincinnati: Corey Kiner 6-yard touchdown run (pass failed), 1:27
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More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | CIN |
|---|
| First downs | 23 | 23 |
| Total yards | 393 | 515 |
| Rushing yards | 228 | 248 |
| Passing yards | 165 | 267 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Time of possession | 27:03 | 32:57 |
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More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 13–23, 165 yards |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 20 carries, 164 yards, 3 TD |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 93 yards |
| Cincinnati | Passing | Emory Jones | 16–22, 217 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Corey Kiner | 19 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Braden Smith | 6 receptions, 114 yards, 1 TD |
Close
UCF traveled to rival Cincinnati, and won their first conference game in Big 12 conference play. Running back R. J. Harvey had a career-best 164 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Harvey scored a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Knights up 28–20 with 2:41 left in regulation. Emory Jones then drove the Bearcats 75 yards in five plays for a touchdown, making the score 28–26 with 1:27 left. Jones' two-point conversion pass was tipped and fell incomplete, and the Knights held on to win 28–26.
No. 15 Oklahoma State
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| No. 15 Cowboys |
0 |
0 |
3 | 0 | 3 |
| Knights |
14 |
10 |
14 | 7 | 45 |
Close
More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 11:50
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 7-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 9:08
- Second Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 30-yard field goal, 14:04
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 75-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 10:35
- Third Quarter
- OSU: Alex Hale 25-yard field goal, 10:00
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 92-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 8:56
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 14-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 4:09
- Fourth Quarter
- UCF: R. J. Harvey 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:00
|
- Win Probability
- Line
- Over/Under
|
|
Close
More information Statistics, OSU ...
| Statistics | OSU | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 15 | 21 |
| Total yards | 277 | 592 |
| Rushing yards | 52 | 293 |
| Passing yards | 225 | 299 |
| Turnovers | 4 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 25:15 | 34:45 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Oklahoma State | Passing | Alan Bowman | 19–36, 225 yards, 3 INT |
| Rushing | Ollie Gordon II | 12 carries, 25 yards |
| Receiving | Rashod Owens | 6 receptions, 85 yards |
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 11–18, 299 yards, 3 TD |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 24 carries, 206 yards, 3 TD |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 112 yards |
Close
UCF hosted then-No. 15 Oklahoma State in their seventh annual "Space Game". The Knights dominated the game from start to finish, and routed the Cowboys 45–3. John Rhys Plumlee threw for 299 yards and three touchdown passes, while R.J. Harvey rushed for a career-best 206 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. The UCF defense held Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon II (the nation's leading rusher) to only 25 yards, and forced four turnovers. The Knights won their first Big 12 intra-conference home game, and first Big 12 intra-conference game against an existing/original team from the conference. After the game, fans stormed the field to celebrate.
UCF jumped out to a quick 14–0 lead in the first quarter. R.J. Harvey got the Knights on the board with a 1-yard touchdown run on their first drive. Ollie Gordon then fumbled in Knights territory, which led to a 7-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee to Kobe Hudson. Braeden Marshall picked off Alan Bowman's deflected pass, which led to a Knights field goal early in the second quarter. A huge downpour then pelted the stadium, but it did not slow down the Knights offense. Plumlee found Kobe Hudson for a 75-yard touchdown, and the Knights led 24–0 at halftime.
Oklahoma State got the ball to start the third quarter. The Cowboys drove to the Knights 7 yard line, but had to settle for a field goal. On the ensuing drive, Plumlee was sacked and fumbled, giving the Cowboys the ball at the UCF 24. Two plays later, however, Demari Henderson tipped and intercepted a pass by Bowman at the 8 yard line. It was Bowman's third interception of the game, and Henderson's second such of the game defensively. On the very next play from scrimmage, R.J. Harvey took a handoff and blasted through for a 92-yard touchdown run to put the Knights up 31–3. UCF would tack on two more scores, and defeated Oklahoma State by the final score of 45–3.
at Texas Tech
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Knights |
14 |
0 |
0 | 9 | 23 |
| Red Raiders |
0 |
14 |
7 | 3 | 24 |
Close
More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 4-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 11:49
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 1-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 0:11
- Second Quarter
- TTU: Drae McCray 15-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton (Gino Garcia kick), 13:10
- TTU: Mason Tharp 19-yard touchdown pass from Behren Morton (Gino Garcia kick), 3:13
- Third Quarter
- TTU: Tahj Brooks 13-yard touchdown run (Gino Garcia kick), 0:11
- Fourth Quarter
- UCF: Colton Boomer 24-yard field goal, 10:21
- TTU: Gino Garcia 51-yard field goal, 6:13
- UCF: Javon Baker 71-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (PAT blocked), 5:30
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- Win Probability
- Line
- Over/Under
|
|
Close
More information Statistics, UCF ...
| Statistics | UCF | TTU |
|---|
| First downs | 23 | 25 |
| Total yards | 486 | 446 |
| Rushing yards | 238 | 190 |
| Passing yards | 248 | 256 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Time of possession | 31:57 | 28:03 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16–32, 248 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | John Rhys Plumlee | 13 carries, 84 yards |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 4 receptions, 117 yards, 1 TD |
| Texas Tech | Passing | Behren Morton | 21–35, 256 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Tahj Brooks | 24 carries, 182 yards, 1 TD |
| Receiving | Xavier White | 3 receptions, 77 yards |
Close
UCF traveled to take on Texas Tech. The Knights jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter, with two touchdown runs by R. J. Harvey. With 5:30 left in the fourth quarter, UCF was trailing 24–17. John Rhys Plumlee found Javon Baker wide open for a 71-yard touchdown pass. But Colton Boomer's game-tying extra point attempt was blocked and sailed wide left. The Red Raiders were able to run out the clock and held on for a 24–23 victory.
Houston
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Cougars |
10 |
0 |
0 | 3 | 13 |
| Knights |
6 |
7 |
14 | 0 | 27 |
Close
More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- Houston: Stephon Johnson 16-yard touchdown pass from Donovan Smith (Jack Martin kick), 10:34
- UCF: John Rhys Plumlee 8-yard touchdown run (kick failed), 5:31
- Houston: Jack Martin 32-yard field goal, 1:56
- Second Quarter
- UCF: Xavier Townsend 28-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer kick), 12:58
- Third Quarter
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 21-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 14:07
- UCF: R.J. Harvey 2-yard touchdown run (Colton Boomer kick), 9:04
- Fourth Quarter
- Houston: Jack Martin 34-yard field goal, 10:08
|
- Win Probability
- Line
- Over/Under
|
|
Close
More information Statistics, HOU ...
| Statistics | HOU | UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 17 | 23 |
| Total yards | 259 | 476 |
| Rushing yards | 94 | 223 |
| Passing yards | 165 | 253 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Time of possession | 27:04 | 32:56 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Houston | Passing | Donovan Smith | 12–20, 161 yards, 1 TD, I INT |
| Rushing | Stacy Sneed | 3 carries, 33 yards |
| Receiving | Joseph Manjack IV | 4 receptions, 74 yards |
| UCF | Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 23–27, 253 yards, 1 TD |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 21 carries, 136 yards, 2 TD |
| Receiving | Kobe Hudson | 9 receptions, 98 yards |
Close
UCF hosted Houston in their regular season finale. Quarterback John Rhys Plumlee threw for 253 yards and running back R. J. Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns, as the Knights defeated the Cougars 27–13. With the win, UCF finished the regular season 6–6 overall (3–6 in the Big 12), and became bowl eligible for the eighth consecutive season. The UCF offense put up 476 total yards, but the kicking game struggled for the second week in a row. Colton Boomer missed two field goals and an extra point.
Gasparilla Bowl
More information Quarter, Total ...
| Quarter |
1 |
2 |
3 | 4 | Total |
| Georgia Tech |
0 |
17 |
3 | 10 | 30 |
| UCF |
14 |
3 |
0 | 0 | 17 |
Close
More information Game information ...
| Game information |
- First Quarter
- UCF: Javon Baker 23-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 13:37
- UCF: Kobe Hudson 17-yard touchdown pass from John Rhys Plumlee (Colton Boomer Kick), 6:26
- Second Quarter
- GT: Aidan Birr 36-yard field goal, 14:17
- UCF: Colton Boomer 27-yard field goal, 8:23
- GT: Haynes King 5-yard touchdown run (Aidan Birr Kick), 4:23
- GT: Malik Rutherford 41-yard touchdown pass from Haynes King (Aidan Birr Kick), 0:56
- Third Quarter
- GT: Aidan Birr 29-yard field goal, 12:07
- Fourth Quarter
- GT: Dontae Smith 1-yard touchdown run (Aidan Birr Kick), 13:37
- GT: Aidan Birr 38-yard field goal, 4:52
|
- Win Probability
- Line
- Over/Under
|
|
Close
2023 Union Home Mortgage Gasparilla Bowl
at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
- Date: Friday, December 22, 2023
- Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST
- Game weather: Clear • Temperature: 66 °F (19 °C) • Wind: 6 mph (9.7 km/h) NE
- Game attendance: 30,281
- Referee: Cravonne Barrett
- TV announcers (ESPN): Wes Durham (play-by-play), Tim Hasselbeck (analyst), and Taylor Tannebaum (sideline)
- Box score
More information Statistics, GT ...
| Statistics |
GT |
UCF |
|---|
| First downs | 21 | 19 |
| Plays–yards | 69–371 | 69–424 |
| Rushes–yards | 53–284 | 34–169 |
| Passing yards | 87 | 255 |
| Passing: comp–att–int | 7–13–1 | 17–33–1 |
| Time of possession | 33:30 | 26:30 |
Close
More information Team, Category ...
| Team | Category | Player | Statistics |
|---|
| Georgia Tech |
Passing | Haynes King | 7/13, 87 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT |
| Rushing | Jamal Haynes | 18 carries, 128 yards |
| Receiving | Malik Rutherford | 2 receptions, 40 yards, 1 TD |
| UCF |
Passing | John Rhys Plumlee | 16/29, 198 yards, 2 TD |
| Rushing | R. J. Harvey | 15 carries, 120 yards |
| Receiving | Javon Baker | 9 receptions, 173 yards, 1 TD |
Close
UCF faced Georgia Tech in the 2023 Gasparilla Bowl. It was the sixth meeting between the two teams. UCF had won the most recent meeting 27–10 in 2022. This was UCF's sixth appearance in the Gasparilla Bowl (formerly known as the St. Petersburg Bowl). George O'Leary, formerly the head coach of both teams, took part in the pre-game coin toss.
The Knights jumped out to a 14–0 lead in the first quarter. John Rhys Plumlee threw touchdown passes to Javon Baker and Kobe Hudson. UCF was looking to go up 21–0 when their drive was snuffed out as R.J. Harvey fumbled away the ball at the Georgia Tech 42. The turnover led to a Yellow Jackets field goal, and was a turning point in the game. The Knights defense held Georgia Tech to only 87 yards passing, but the Yellow Jackets put up 284 yards on the ground. Trailing 17–3, Georgia Tech scored 27 unanswered points, and won by the score of 30–17.
Sr.
