ORLANDO — Saturday’s game was delayed 30 minutes due to lightning in the area, but that didn’t have any impact on a hot start for UCF, as the Knights scored on six of their first seven drives to earn a 45-14 victory against Sam Houston at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
For the second consecutive game, the Black and Gold compiled more than 550 yards of total offense, including 384 rushing yards. Defensively, UCF forced two turnovers and held Sam Houston to just 67 rushing yards.
“I’m real proud of our team, we earned a convincing win against a quality opponent,” said UCF Head Coach Gus Malzahn. “They've got good players and that’s a Hall of Fame Coach. He's won two national championships. It was a good measuring stick for our guys.”
UCF has now opened the season with a 2-0 record in three of Malzahn’s four seasons in Orlando. Saturday’s game also marked the 200th FBS win for the Knights as a program since making the transition from FCS in 1996.
Knights running back RJ Harvey tied the program record and set a career high with four rushing touchdowns, while surpassing 100 yards rushing for the fourth consecutive game and 10th time in his career. The Orlando native finished with 126 rushing yards on 19 carries.
The preseason Doak Walker Award Watch List honoree recorded the first two touchdowns of the game, scoring from 19 yards out and on a two-yard rush to cap 80-yard and 76-yard drives, respectively.
For the third time in his career, UCF kicker Colton Boomer booted a 50-yard field goal as he split the uprights to extend the Knights’ early advantage to 17-0 in the second quarter. The Lake Mary native had a pair of 50-yarders in the Boise State game last season, including the game-winner.
KJ Jefferson led the offense from his quarterback position, going 12-for-15 passing for 169 yards. He also rushed for 50 yards on nine attempts. Wide receiver Kobe Hudson reeled in 104 of those, eclipsing the 100-yard receiving mark for the sixth time in his career.
Defensively, the Black and Gold were dominant throughout the game, limiting the Bearkats to 118 yards and just 16 rushing at halftime. In comparison, UCF had already rushed for 243 yards and Harvey accounted for 115 yards on 16 carries with three rushing touchdowns in the first 30 minutes.
The Knights tallied two interceptions for the second straight game, as Mac McWilliams and Sheldon Arnold each came down with their first interceptions in a UCF uniform.
Quadric Bullard, Nyjalik Kelly and Xe’ree Alexander led the defensive effort each with six tackles. Kelly notched the Knights’ first sack of the season, forced a fumble and had a pass breakup.
UCF returns to action on Saturday when the Knights travel to TCU to open Big 12 Conference play. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on FOX from Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Here is the box score:
UCF 45, Sam Houston 14
Sam Houston (1-1) 0 7 0 7 _ 14
UCF (2-0) 14 10 14 7 _ 45
First Quarter
UCF _ Harvey 19 run (Boomer kick).
UCF _ Harvey 2 run (Boomer kick).
Second Quarter
UCF _ Boomer 50 FG.
SH _ Evans 64 pass from Smith (Pavon kick).
UCF _ Harvey 22 run (Boomer kick).
Third Quarter
UCF _ Montgomery 7 run (Boomer kick).
UCF _ Harvey 2 run (Boomer kick).
Fourth Quarter
UCF _ Boone 3 run (Boomer kick).
SH _ Phoenix II 22 pass from Bauer (Pavon kick).
