Dunnam’s Historic Night Sets Tone
Senior defensive back Phillip Dunnam delivered one of the greatest defensive performances in UCF history during the Space Game, becoming the first Knight ever to record three interceptions in a single contest. Two came in the first half, and his third — a 43-yard pick-six — pushed UCF ahead 24–14 late in the second quarter.
His effort earned him Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors and placed him among elite company. Dunnam became just the third FBS player this season to notch three interceptions in a game, the only one to return one for a score, and one of only 13 players since 1996 to accomplish the feat in Big 12 play.
Oddly enough, this isn’t the first time defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has coached a player to a three-interception game. During his Wyoming tenure (2009–11), his defensive back Shamiel Gary pulled off the same feat against Weber State in his collegiate debut.
Space Game Streak Snapped
For the first time in its nine-year history, UCF’s Space Game ended in defeat. Previously 8–0 in the program’s annual tribute to its aerospace heritage, the Knights were unable to overcome missed opportunities despite forcing four turnovers.
Before this season, UCF averaged 50.6 points per Space Game while holding opponents under 20. Those numbers drop slightly to 48.0 and 20.7 after the 30–27 loss to Houston. Still, the tradition remains an important celebration of UCF’s origins. Founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University to support the U.S. space program, the institution evolved into today’s University of Central Florida in 1978.
Lawrence Ascends Program Sack Rankings
Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence continues to put together one of the most productive pass-rushing careers in UCF history. With 20 career sacks, Lawrence now sits:
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No. 9 among active FBS players
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Second among active Big 12 players, trailing only Texas Tech’s David Bailey
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No. 10 all-time at UCF, recently passing Keenan Wimbley (19 sacks)
Lawrence has recorded back-to-back two-sack performances and is just 0.5 shy of matching his single-season best. His presence will be a major factor in Saturday’s game, especially considering Bailey’s impact on the opposite sideline.
UCF’s No-Fly Zone Remains Elite
The Knights’ pass defense has emerged as one of the best in the nation, allowing just 168.2 passing yards per game — good for 12th nationally.
Other defensive highlights include:
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Second fewest passing plays of 20+ yards in the Big 12 (18)
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Fewest explosive plays of any variety in the Big 12 (24 total)
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Held Kansas QB Jalon Daniels without a passing TD for the first time this season
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Limited West Virginia to just 79 passing yards — tied for 17th fewest allowed in UCF’s FBS history
If the Knights are to slow Texas Tech’s offense, their secondary will once again be crucial.
First-Quarter Dominance
UCF has been nearly impenetrable in opening quarters this season, ranking 11th nationally in fewest first-quarter points allowed. The Knights have shut out seven of their nine opponents in the first quarter, surrendering just 21 total points in the opening frame all season.
Earlier in the year, UCF and Pitt stood alone as the only FBS programs not to allow a first-quarter point through the first six weeks.
Fourth-Quarter Finishing Power
While UCF starts fast, they also finish strong. The Knights have allowed just 39 total points in fourth quarters this season — 14th fewest in the nation — and the defensive effort in conference play has been striking:
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vs. Houston: 96 yards allowed
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at Baylor: 64 yards
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vs. West Virginia: 7 yards
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at Cincinnati: 17 yards
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vs. Kansas: 12 yards
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at Kansas State: 30 yards
This late-game consistency could be essential in what could be a close contest against Texas Tech.
Ruelas Adds to Record Kicking Season
Kicker Noe Ruelas continues to build one of the best seasons ever by a UCF kicker:
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Tied his career long with a 54-yard field goal vs. Houston
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First Knight in FBS history with three 50+ yard field goals in one season
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Made 11 straight field goals this year before his lone recent miss
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Joins Matt Prater, Shawn Moffitt, Michael Torres and others on UCF’s elite kicking streak list
Ruelas’ reliability may play a key role if Saturday’s matchup becomes a field-position battle.
Explosive Ground Game Fuels Offense
Running back Jaden Nixon has been one of the nation’s most explosive players, recording four touchdown runs of 50+ yards this season — including an 83-yard score against West Virginia.
UCF is also one of just two Big 12 teams (along with Utah) to feature four different 100-yard rushers this year:
Nixon, Myles Montgomery, Jacurri Brown and Cam Fancher.
The Knights have also excelled in sustaining long drives, notching:
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Four touchdown drives of 90+ yards this season
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Thirteen scoring drives of 75+ yards — one-third of their total scoring drives
Fourth-Down Confidence
The Knights began the year a perfect 8-for-8 on fourth downs and currently sit at 15-for-27, good for 55.6% and ranking 15th in the FBS in total conversions.
Their aggressiveness on fourth down has helped extend drives and maintain control of the football.
Looking Ahead: UCF vs. Texas Tech
Saturday’s matchup offers a compelling strength-on-strength showdown:
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UCF’s top-tier pass defense vs. Texas Tech’s offensive versatility
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Two of the Big 12’s top sack leaders: Malachi Lawrence vs. David Bailey
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UCF’s explosive run game against Tech’s physical defensive front
After the narrow loss in the Space Game, UCF will look to rebound and reestablish momentum in conference play. With their defense performing at an elite level and several record-setting players leading the charge, the Knights enter the week with confidence — and with the tools to secure a key victory over Texas Tech.
