UCF vs. Florida Gators Showdown: Game Preview and Key Info
Pegasus and Citronaut discuss:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 5
Time: 7:45 p.m. ET
TV: SEC Network
TV Talents: Taylor Zarzour (Play-by-play), Matt Stinchcomb (Analyst), Tori Petry (Sideline Reporter)
Radio: FM 96.9 / AM 740 The Game
Radio Talents: Marc Daniels, Gary Parris, Scott Adams
Spanish Radio: UCFKnights.com, YouTube.com/UCFKnights
Live Stats: [Click Here]
What a Win Would Mean:
• 14th consecutive victory against a Florida-based team.
• Second straight win over the Gators.
• First-ever win at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
• Gus Malzahn’s second win against Florida as UCF head coach.
Key Storylines
• UCF Travels to Gainesville: The Knights head to “The Swamp” for their third trip to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and their first since 2006. Gus Malzahn previously led UCF to a 29-17 victory over the Gators in the 2021 Gasparilla Bowl, capping his first season with a signature win.
• Florida Matchup History: The last time Malzahn was in Gainesville was Oct. 5, 2019, when he coached Auburn against Florida. Now, exactly five years later, he returns with UCF for a pivotal game.
• Dominating In-State Rivals: UCF has won 13 straight games against teams from Florida, including a win over Florida in 2021 and six consecutive victories over South Florida.
UCF’s Explosive Offense
• The Knights boast an impressive ground game, leading the nation with an average of 326.0 rushing yards per game. Running back RJ Harvey leads the Big 12 in explosive runs, while quarterback KJ Jefferson has contributed both in the air and on the ground.
• Defensive Strength: UCF’s defense has been stout against the run, allowing just 80.0 rushing yards per game, the best mark in the Big 12.
Player Spotlight
• Trent Whittemore: The wide receiver returns to familiar territory, having played his college ball at Florida before transferring to UCF. Whittemore grew up in Gainesville and now returns as a Knight, looking to make a mark on his former home field.
• KJ Jefferson: The quarterback will look to win at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for the second consecutive year, having led Arkansas to a victory in Gainesville last season.
Last Time vs. Florida: Gasparilla Bowl Recap
In 2021, UCF defeated Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla Bowl. Running back Isaiah Bowser led the charge with 155 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Knights outscored the Gators 20-7 in the second half, holding Florida scoreless for nearly 23 minutes.
Halftime Adjustments & Running Dominance
• UCF has outscored opponents 62-24 in the third quarter this season.
• The Knights continue to dominate on the ground, having rushed for 1,304 yards and 14 touchdowns through four games this season.
For more explosive plays, player updates, and live stats, make sure to tune in on game day!