The Bearcats (2-6, 0-5 Big 12) welcome in rival Central Florida (3-5, 0-5 Big 12) to Historic Nippert Stadium as both teams search for their first ever Big 12 victory. The Bearcats and Knights are both in a very similar situation this season as they not only search for their first every Big 12 victory but have had plenty of opportunities this season to win games and just couldn’t find ways to close the door in those close game situations.
The Bearcats and Knights are tied 4-4 in the last eight matchups, with the Bearcats winning three of the last four over the Knights. However, the Knights most recent victory came last season in Orlando after defeating the Bearcats 25-21 after the Bearcats defense collapsed following a Ryan Montgomery touchdown run with just over three minutes remaining that gave the Bearcats a 3 point lead.
For the Bearcats on the other hand, their last victory over the Knights came back in 2021 after defeating the Knights 56-21 behind a career day from running back Jerome Ford. Ford, rushed for 190 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries. The Bearcats out-rushed the Knights 349 to 166 in that contest, which means Jerome Ford out-rushed the Knights by himself which is pretty impressive if you ask me.
This has turned into one of the biggest rivalries over the last few seasons for the Bearcats that date back to 2018 roughly. This is a matchup that has produced some great games over the last few seasons, including the Bearcats huge upset over the ranked Knights in 2019 following a late turnover as Sauce Gardner intercepted Dillion Gabriel for a pick six in his first game that would give the Bearcats the lead late in the 4th quarter.
However, for the Knights, they are in a situation very familiar with the Bearcats this season as they haven’t had quite the season, they have expected in their inaugural Big 12 season after starting the season 3-0 they have now lost five straight. However, two games that really stands out to me from UCF this season is their 36-35 loss to Baylor, despite blowing a huge 28-point lead in the second half. However, UCF played Oklahoma very well two weeks ago despite falling 31-29 in a game that came down to the very end, and frankly a game UCF should’ve won.
“We are going to do everything we can to go out there and win the game this weekend,” Scott Satterfield said. “We have a great opportunity here at Nippert Stadium in front of our fans, who are unbelievable. Here are two teams that are in a very similar situation when you think of two programs who have done a great job over the last few seasons winning a lot of football games.“
