ORLANDO — UCF running back RJ Harvey put the finishing touches on a legendary career in his final game in a Knights uniform, scoring a pair of touchdowns (one rushing and one receiving) to set the program record for total touchdowns scored with 48.
Entering the contest tied with UCF Hall of Famer Kevin Smith (46), Harvey took over as the Knights’ leader in career touchdowns with his 47th on a five-yard rush in the second quarter. He added to his resume late in the fourth quarter to end his career with 48 total touchdowns.
Unfortunately, the Hometown Hero’s efforts were not enough for a win on Senior Knight, as UCF dropped a 28-14 decision against Utah Friday night at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
“I’m really happy he got the two touchdowns and set the record,” said UCF head coach Gus Malzahn. “He's been such a great player for us, and one of the better players to ever come through here, but we’re disappointed overall with the loss and really disappointed for our seniors.”
Harvey ended the game with 119 rushing yards on 20 carries in addition to three catches for 19 yards with a receiving touchdown. He recorded his eighth 100-yard rushing game of the season and 17th of his career.
Fifth-year wide receiver Kobe Hudson, who was also recognized during the senior day ceremony pregame, reeled in seven passes for 79 yards to extend his streak of games with at least one reception to 35, tying for the second longest in program history.
The UCF defense was solid in the game, only allowing 196 yards and two offensive touchdowns but Utah tallied a pair of pick-sixes and that proved to be the difference. The Utes had just 71 yards in the second half and finished the game 3-for-13 on third down.
Fifth-year linebackers Ethan Barr and Deshawn Pace led the Knights defense with seven tackles apiece. Junior Nyjalik Kelly had two sacks and 2.5 tackles for loss, finishing with five total stops.
After recognizing 25 seniors prior to the game, UCF was driving on its first possession of the game before a strip sack from Lander Barton gave Utah the football on the Knights 46-yard line. The Black and Gold defense rose to the occasion to force a field goal, as the Utes grabbed an early 3-0 lead.
Quarterback Dylan Rizk’s pass was intercepted and returned 60 yards for a touchdown to give Utah a 10-0 lead in the second quarter. UCF answered on its next drive, marching 89 yards down the field on 10 plays capped by Harvey finding the end zone from five yards out. The Utes added a field goal before halftime to lead 13-7 at the intermission.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, but Utah pushed its lead to 21-7 after a 15-yard touchdown reception from Landen King early in the fourth quarter. Looking to cut into the deficit, the Utes logged their second pick-six to extend their lead and seal the victory.
Here is the box score:
Utah 28, UCF 14
Utah (5-7, 2-7) 3 10 0 15 _ 28
UCF (4-8, 2-7) 0 7 0 7 _ 14
First Quarter
Utah _ Cole Becker 37 FG.
Second Quarter
Utah _ Zemaiah Vaughn 60 interception return (Tre Coleman kick).
UCF _ RJ Harvey 5 run (Grant Reddick kick).
Utah _ Trey Coleman 24 FG.
Third Quarter
No scoring.
Fourth Quarter
Utah _ Landen King 15 pass from Luke Bottari (Micah Bernard pass from Luke Bottari).
Utah _ Smith Snowden 13 interception return (Trey Coleman kick).
UCF _ RJ Harvey 6 pass from EJ Colson (Grant Reddick kick).
