UCF Knights Prepare to Host Houston Cougars in Space-Themed Game Friday Night

game will be televised nationally on Fox Sports 1 rom the Bounce House

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The UCF Knights will look to bounce back at home when they host the No. 22 Houston Cougars on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 8 p.m. EST. The game will be televised nationally on Fox Sports 1 from the Bounce House in Orlando.

UCF (4-4) is hoping to rebound after a rough 30-3 loss to Baylor last weekend, while Houston (7-2) aims to get back in the win column following a 45-35 road defeat to West Virginia.

Offensive Breakdown

UCF’s offense has shown balance this season, averaging 417.6 yards per game, which ranks 44th nationally. The Knights move the ball well on the ground, rushing for 191.4 yards per game (28th in FBS), led by Myles Montgomery, who’s totaled 572 yards on 112 carries. Quarterback Tayven Jackson has thrown for 1,334 yards, completing 63.4% of his passes with five touchdowns and four interceptions. Receiver Duane Thomas Jr. leads UCF with 393 yards on 38 catches.

Houston’s offense, led by former Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman, is averaging 383.3 yards per game. Weigman has been efficient through the air with 1,890 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and only four interceptions. Running back Dean Connors adds balance with 657 yards rushing, while wideout Amare Thomas has been a top red zone weapon, catching seven touchdown passes on the season.

Defensive Matchup

UCF’s defense has been a strength despite the team’s inconsistent record. The Knights rank 20th nationally, allowing just 307.8 yards per game, including the 11th-best pass defense in the country (161.4 yards per game). However, red zone efficiency has been an issue — opponents have scored on 87% of their trips inside the 20, ranking UCF 96th in the FBS.

Houston’s defense has been steady across the board, giving up 338.8 yards per game (42nd in FBS). The Cougars have been particularly effective against the run, allowing 134.3 yards per game. They’ve also been strong in key moments, ranking 31st nationally in third-down defense, holding opponents to a 34.1% conversion rate.

Key Factors

UCF will need to improve on third downs, where they rank just 123rd nationally, converting only 32.7% of opportunities. Penalties have also been costly, as the Knights average 57.5 penalty yards per game. Houston, by comparison, has been more disciplined, ranking 31st in the nation with 45.7 penalty yards per game.

The red zone battle could define this game. UCF’s defense struggles to close out drives, while Houston’s offense is among the best at capitalizing — scoring on 93.5% of red zone trips, good for 12th nationally.

Last Time Out

In UCF’s loss to Baylor, Jackson completed 18 of 33 passes for 151 yards but threw two interceptions. Montgomery led the ground game with 50 yards, while Thomas Jr. hauled in eight catches for 77 yards.

Houston’s loss to West Virginia was highlighted by a strong showing from Weigman, who threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns. Amare Thomas caught three of those scores, finishing with 99 yards on 10 receptions.

Outlook

For UCF, Thursday’s matchup is a chance to reestablish momentum and earn a signature win at home against a ranked opponent. Houston, meanwhile, will try to keep its Big 12 title hopes alive by avoiding back-to-back losses.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. EST on Fox Sports 1, as the Knights look to ground the high-flying Cougars in Orlando.

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