UCF performed maybe its most full recreation of the season because the Knights rolled up a season-high 578 yards of offense, cruising to a 45-13 win over West Virginia on Saturday.
The victory snapped a three-game shedding streak and a six-game streak towards Large 12 opponents. It was the primary win within the month of October since defeating Cincinnati on Oct. 29, 2022.
The Knights have an off week earlier than hitting the street to tackle Baylor on Nov. 1. Within the meantime, right here’s a take a look at 5 key takeaways from UCF’s big win.
UCF performed maybe its most full recreation of the season because the Knights rolled up a season-high 578 yards of offense, cruising to a 45-13 win over West Virginia on Saturday.
The victory snapped a three-game shedding streak and a six-game streak towards Large 12 opponents. It was the primary win within the month of October since defeating Cincinnati on Oct. 29, 2022.
The Knights have an off week earlier than hitting the street to tackle Baylor on Nov. 1. Within the meantime, right here’s a take a look at 5 key takeaways from UCF’s big win.
The off week comes at an excellent time for quarterbacks
UCF’s quarterback room has develop into a MASH unit this season with Cam Fancher, Tayven Jackson and Jacurri Brown all struggling accidents at one level or one other.
Fancher, who began final week towards Cincinnati, suffered a damaged rib through the loss to the Bearcats and was dominated out for the sport towards the Mountaineers. He was changed by Jackson, who was again within the beginning lineup after lacking final week’s recreation whereas recovering from a strained AC joint in his left shoulder.
In the meantime, backup Jacurri Brown, who has been out since struggling a strained AC joint towards Kansas State on Sept. 27, was listed because the emergency quarterback towards WVU.
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (13) celebrates after a landing through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Cheerleaders cheer through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Davi Belfort (10) leans into the endzone for a landing as West Virginia cornerback Keyshawn Robinson (20) grabs his foot through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Caleb Rollerson (89) reaches for the pylon after a reception through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (darkish jersey) hauls in a landing catch over West Virginia security Derek Carter Jr. (left) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF followers cheer through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive sort out John Walker (behind) hits West Virginia quarterback Khalil Wilkins (14) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
West Virginia quarterback Khalil Wilkins (14) scrambles within the grasp of UCF linebacker Lewis Carter (20) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir, left, congratulates head coach Scott Frost after profitable the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Dancers carry out through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (high) hangs on to a landing catch over West Virginia security Derek Carter Jr. (backside) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF receiver Charles Waden screams in celebration through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF operating again Jaden Nixon (5) appears to be like for room through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive sort out Derrick LeBlanc (high) tackles West Virginia quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. (backside) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF head coach Scott Frost coaches through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Davi Belfort (10) leaps over defenders through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF tight finish Thomas Wadsworth (84) battles West Virginia security Jordan Walker (4) for the ball through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Davi Belfort scrambles through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive sort out John Walker (55) hits West Virginia quarterback Khalil Wilkins (14) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive sort out Derrick LeBlanc celebrates through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Davi Belfort passes through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Caleb Rollerson (89) runs after an extended move reception through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (high) hangs on to a landing catch over West Virginia security Derek Carter Jr. (backside) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Caleb Rollerson (89) celebrates after an extended move reception through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Davi Belfort (10) leaps into the endzone for a landing through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) throws through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
The UCF band performs through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF operating again Myles Montgomery is knocked out of bounds through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF athletic director Terry Mohajir yells through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant runs in a catch for a landing through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (high) celebrates with offensive lineman Owen Spell (61) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF coach Scott Frost coaches through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. UCF gained the sport 45-13. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
West Virginia quarterback Scotty Fox Jr. (left) is hit through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF followers cheer through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson throws through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF quarterback Tayven Jackson (2) throws over West Virginia defender Curtis Jones Jr. (18) duringf the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
UCF defensive again Antione Jackson (backside) reaches for the foot of West Virginia quarterback Kahlil Wilkins (14) through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
A fan holds an indication through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
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UCF large receiver Chris Domercant (13) celebrates after a landing through the West Virginia at UCF faculty soccer recreation at Acrisure Bounce Home Stadium in Orlando on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
That left fourth-stringer Davi Belfort because the backup this week. Belfort completed with 65 whole yards of offense whereas scoring his first landing of the season on a 10-yard run within the fourth quarter.
“I can’t inform you how a lot respect I’ve for him,” Frost mentioned of Fancher. “He has a few damaged ribs. We didn’t find out about it until mid-week. He practiced with it. He completed the sport with it. So it says quite a bit about how powerful he’s. Jaccurii was an emergency [QB] for us. He’s nonetheless not fairly able to go, however he would have gone in if we actually wanted it.”
Knights exert strain up entrance
After failing to register a sack towards Cincinnati final week, UCF feasted on a banged-up West Virginia offensive line to the tune of seven sacks.
It was probably the most sacks by the Knights since totaling 7 in a 47-13 win over Marshall on Nov. 3, 2007.
“These guys haven’t had a ton of alternatives to hurry the passer and I’m not making excuses for them,” mentioned Frost. “Our first recreation, we performed a workforce that didn’t throw it very a lot and the second recreation, they didn’t throw it very a lot. Kansas State was a little bit heavier run after which Cincinnati obtained forward of us, and that was extra of a run recreation.
“That is the primary time we’ve been forward within the recreation and put the opposite workforce ready the place the quarterback wanted to throw it. Then we are able to let our guys hunt for sacks.”
Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, who led the 2 with two sacks, had a pair of sacks on Saturday, whereas fellow edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly added a sack, as did linebacker Cole Kozlowski and tackles Derrick LeBlanc and RJ Jackson Jr.
Quick yardage remains to be a wrestle.
UCF continued to wrestle in short-yardage conditions.
Twice on Saturday, the Knights confronted a 4th-and-1 state of affairs and didn’t convert.
On a 4th-and-1 at their very own 39-yard line within the first quarter, operating again Myles Montgomery was stopped, forcing the Knights to show the ball over on downs. West Virginia took benefit of the sector place as backup quarterback Khalil Wilkins scored on a 6-yard landing run.
Later within the second quarter, UCF confronted one other 4th-and-1 on the WVU 13 and introduced in a jumbo package deal. Montgomery took the handoff and was stopped on the line of scrimmage.
“We’ve obtained to get quick yardage found out,” mentioned Frost. “We simply didn’t execute very properly on a few the runs. Now, in the event you inform me we’re going to go for it on 4 fourth downs and rating touchdowns on two of them, I might most likely take that. However we’ve obtained to have the ability to line up and run the ball and get a yard.”
UCF transformed on simply 3 of its 6 fourth-down makes an attempt final week towards Cincinnati, with a number of of these on fourth-and-less than 3 yards.
Turnovers are essential for protection
UCF’s protection managed its first takeaway because the Kansas State recreation on Sept. 27.
Kelly stripped the soccer out of the arms of Mountaineers quarterback Khalil Wilkins within the third quarter and the ball bounced into the arms of linebacker Keli Lawson, who sprinted 32 yards for a landing.
It was the primary fumble restoration for a landing because the 68-7 win over North Carolina A&T on Sept. 6.
“The protection has been taking part in actually good for some time,” mentioned Frost. “This was their most full recreation, beginning with the truth that a play like that adjustments the sport. It was nonetheless a ball recreation once we obtained Nyjalik, he obtained a strip and Keli took it again and that blew it open. That group is beginning to come collectively and play as a unit.”
This system is 13-11 over the previous three seasons when the protection compelled no less than one takeaway and simply 1-6 when failing to get a turnover since becoming a member of the Large 12 in 2023.
Knights hope to hold momentum into the remaining 5 video games
Frost believes the win on Saturday may do wonders for the workforce shifting ahead.
“This workforce believes and so they’re going to maintain combating, no matter one recreation or one other,” mentioned Frost. “I’ve informed you guys that the final couple of weeks, this workforce’s beginning to come collectively. The vibe within the constructing and the locker room was actually good. They imagine they wanted a win to essentially increase that perception.”
Please discover me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. E-mail: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Join the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly publication for a roundup of all our UCF protection.
