kickoff set for 8 p.m.
UCF Set to Clash With Utah in the Season Finale
Game Time & Broadcast
- Fall Friday at 8 p.m. (Eastern time)
- Staged in the FBC Mortgage Stadium (UCF’s home turf)
- Pick up the broadcast on FOX with Trent Rush calling the play‑by‑play and Robert Smith as the analyst.
Why This Matchup Matters
- First-ever face‑off between the Knights and the Utes.
- UCF has the bragging right of playing all four of the Big 12’s new teams this year—no other club in the league can boast that.
- Knights are chasing their 300th program win and would like to cap the season with a victory to keep the streak of three conference wins alive.
- The Utes are knocking up a 4‑7 overall record and a 1‑7 mark in conference play, still hoping to finish the season on a high note.
UCF’s Rushing Machine
- Rank first in total offense, first in rushing, and fifth in scoring for the conference.
- Accumulated 2,804 rushing yards with 32 rushing touchdowns so far.
- Average 254.9 yards per game—nearly 30 yards more than the next closest Power Four school (Tennessee at 227.5).
- Also leading the nation in explosive runs: 93 plays of 10+ yards.
- Most of the juice comes from RJ Harvey, who is a Doak Walker Award semifinalist for the second straight year and has 49 10‑plus‑yard runs.
Who’s RJ Harvey, Anyway?
- Currently neck‑and‑neck with UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith for the total career touchdowns record—46 each.
- Has 42 rushing touchdowns and 4 receiving ones—just three shy of tying Smith’s 45 rushing record.
- Will become the sole record holder if he scores in Utah’s defense.
Utah’s Defensive Credentials
- Top five in total defense (third), scoring defense (third), rushing defense (fourth), and passing defense (fifth).
- Reigning Big 12 leaders on third‑down defense (26.8 %) and first‑down defense (188 first downs).
- Serves up a lanky 32:31 advantage in time of possession — 10th nationally.
Other Key Statistics & Players
- UCF’s linebacker Xe’ree Alexander tackled a career‑high 17 times against West Virginia last Saturday, the most by a Big 12 player that season.
- Senior Deshawn Pace recorded his 300th career tackle—one of only 19 active FBS players to hit that milestone.
- The Knights’ home record at FBC Mortgage Stadium is stellar: 85‑29 overall. Since 2017, they’ve gone 42‑9.
- UCF was undefeated at home in 2021, and this season will see them chase an indoor record.
The Coaches’ Duel
- UCF is led by head coach Gus Malzahn (20th season overall, 4th at UCF).
- Utah’s Kyle Whittingham is on his 20th season at the helm of the Utes, boasting a 166‑86 overall record during his tenure.
- This will be the first matchup between these two seasoned coaches.
What to Look For
- Will UCF’s blazing run game overpower the disciplined Ute defense?
- Can RJ Harvey break the touchdown record with a decisive play?
- Will the Knights maintain their stellar home field advantage?
Grab your merch, tune in on Friday, and let’s see if the Knights can finish the season on a high note—and if RJ Harvey will finally establish himself as a true legend of the program.
Stellar Showdown in Eau Gallie
Who’s the Big Ticket? The Eau Gallie Commodores are whipping up all the buzz because this Friday they’ll be the proud hosts of the Bishop Moore Hornets in the FHSAA regional finals.
Why It Matters
- Winning the regional spot could send the Commodores straight to the state playoffs.
- It’s a clash between two powered‑up teams—your very own backyard showdown!
- The game’s slated for Friday night, so bring your popcorn and your cheering gear.
What to Expect
The Commodores have been crushing the competition all season, boasting a 5‑0 record heading into the finals. That’s a lot of confidence, and a few bragging rights. Meanwhile, the Hornets are the underdogs who’ve shown they can compete with computers and the power of a coordinated playbook.
Fan Edition
Fans, get ready to shout “Go Commodores!” or “Hornets, you’ll see!”—this game is sure to push the scoreboard and the hype to the next level.
Quick Ticket Tip
Tickets are selling fast; grab yours before they vanish. The stadium doors open at 4:00 pm, so arrive early for the ultimate pre‑game atmosphere.
