UCF goes to TCU for the first game that will count in Big 12 standings this season
Central Florida running back RJ Harvey, center, scores a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
UCF (2-0) at TCU (2-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. CT (Fox)
BetMGM College Football Odds: TCU by 1 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
This is the first game this season that will count in the Big 12 standings and the only one this weekend. TCU is facing a team from the state of Florida for the first time since a 45-10 loss at Miami in 1992. The Knights, on the road for the first time this season, are 2-0 for the third time in four years under coach Gus Malzahn. There have been two games so far when Big 12 newcomers played another league opponent in games that didn't count in the conference standings.
KEY MATCHUP
UCF's nation's-leading rushing attack (419 yards per game) against the TCU defense. Knights running back RJ Harvey has run for 268 yards in the first two games and his six rushing TDs are the most for any power conference player. Peny Boone (135 yards) and Myles Montgomery (128 yards) have both scored two touchdowns. The Horned Frogs have allowed 90 yards a game and only one score on the ground. UCF is the only team in the nation with at least 140 yards rushing in each of the last 15 games.
TCU running back Cam Cook (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Long Island University in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024. Credit: AP/Chris Torres
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCF: Transfer KJ Jefferson is the FBS active leader for rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,876 yards. The 6-foot-3, 247-pound Jefferson spent five seasons at Arkansas, including 2020-22 when current TCU offensive coordinator Kendal Briles was the OC and QB coach for the Razorbacks.
TCU: Cam Cook has run for 139 with four TDs, three of those scores coming in the Frogs' 45-0 win last week over FCS team LIU. He is now the lead running back after 58 yards in nine games as a freshman last year.
FACTS & FIGURES
Central Florida wide receiver Trent Whittemore, second from left, is tackled by Sam Houston State defensive back Isaiah Cash (19), Jaylon Jimmerson, second from right, and defensive back Emon Allen (7) after catching a pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
The Knights have scored a Big 12-high 102 points in the first two games, and allowed 17, which is second behind the 12 points given up by Utah. ... Josh Hoover tied a TCU single-game record with 14 consecutive completions last week against LIU. ... UCF's defense has four interceptions, by four different players. ... TCU LB Namdi Obiazor is tied for third in the Big 12 with four tackles for loss, and also got his first career interception last week.
