Utah and UCF will meet in Orlando on Friday to conclude seasons that each team undoubtedly hoped would be far more successful.
The Black Friday game ends the first Big 12 season for the Utes (4-7, 1-7) and the second for the Knights (4-7, 2-6).
Utah was a drive away from staying in the race for bowl eligibility Saturday before then-No. 22 Iowa State marched 75 yards late in the fourth quarter to defeat the Utes 31-28. With the loss, Utah has dropped seven games in a row, following a 4-0 start to the season.
The Utes’ offense scored one touchdown while the defense and special teams each contributed one, including an interception returned 87 yards by Lander Barton.
Friday, it will be the tale of the immovable object against the unstoppable force, with Utah’s defense sitting tied for third in the conference in points allowed (21.3) and giving up the third-fewest yards per game (325.2).
“They play really good defense. They hold onto the football and we’re going to have to do a good job on special teams. They’re really good on special teams, too,” said UCF coach Gus Malzahn. “But really, it’s as simple as … trying to win this game for our seniors.”
On the other side of the field, UCF leads all Power Four schools in rushing per game, averaging 254.9 yards behind senior RJ Harvey. He averages 6.9 yards per carry and leads the Big 12 with 1,458 rushing yards on the season.
“They’re running it for over 250 a week and another couple hundred throwing the ball,” said Utah coach Kyle Whittingham. “Scoring points, good on third down, good in the red zone, so it’ll be a challenge for our defense this week to face that rushing attack.”
The Knights are 1-7 in their past eight games, with their only win coming against Arizona. Last Saturday at West Virginia, UCF fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and couldn’t catch up in a 31-21 loss.
–Field Level Media