UCF Knights Hand No. 2 BYU Cougars First Loss in Double-Overtime Thriller
The Knights secured the biggest upset in program history with a dramatic victory over the previously undefeated Cougars.
The UCF Knights delivered a stunning upset Saturday, defeating the previously undefeated No. 2 BYU Cougars 31-24 in a double-overtime battle in Orlando. The victory marks the most significant win over a ranked opponent in UCF program history.
BYU, who entered the week ranked second nationally after a recent win over Notre Dame, faced a UCF team that has struggled since joining the Big 12. The Knights, however, found success at home in the Bounce House.
BYU opened the scoring with a touchdown pass from quarterback Bear Bachmeier to wide receiver Kyler Kasper. UCF responded with a touchdown run from Landen Chambers and later a field goal from Will Stone, taking a 10-7 lead. Bachmeier put the Cougars back ahead with a rushing touchdown, but UCF answered just before halftime with a touchdown pass from quarterback Keyone Jenkins to Chambers, giving the Knights a 17-14 lead at the break.
In the second half, the teams exchanged scores, with BYU tying the game at 24-24 with a field goal. UCF drove deep into BYU territory late in regulation, but a potential go-ahead field goal was blocked. Following a possession that ended with a blocked kick, the game headed to overtime.
In the first overtime period, BYU took a 31-24 lead with a touchdown pass. UCF answered with a touchdown pass from Jenkins to Josh Derry. In the second overtime, after BYU failed to score, UCF secured the win on a touchdown pass from Jenkins to tight end Grayson Brousseau, followed by a successful two-point conversion.
The loss throws a significant wrench into the national rankings and playoff picture. The Knights improve to 4-3 on the season with this signature win. BYU will look to rebound against Arizona State, while UCF prepares to face Baylor.