Second-Half Rally Lifts UCF Past TCU in Big 12 Opener, 35-34

FORT WORTH, Texas – Winning is an attitude.

That’s the motto for the UCF athletics department this season coined by vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir and the football team epitomized that mindset Saturday evening, rallying from a 21-point deficit to earn a 35-34 win against TCU in its Big 12 Conference opener at Amon G. Carter Stadium.

Trailing 21-7 at halftime and 28-7 following the first drive of the second half, the Knights regrouped and were the better team for the remainder of the contest. UCF (3-0, 1-0 B12) outscored TCU (2-1, 0-1) 13-10 in the third quarter and 15-3 in the fourth quarter to open Big 12 play with a win.

The comeback win ties the Boise State game from 2021, head coach Gus Malzahn’s first game leading the Knights, for the largest come-from-behind win in program history.

It was a tale of two halves for the Knights, scoring 28 points in the second half as opposed to seven in the first half. Four of UCF’s five drives following the intermission ended in a touchdown.

Jefferson was 9-of-11 for 166 yards with two touchdowns in the second half and the Black and Gold ran for another 144 yards to compile 310 yards in the last two quarters. The Sardis, Mississippi, native finished the game 13-of-22 for 230 yards with three touchdowns and he rushed nine times for 46 yards.

Hudson accounted for 145 of Jefferson’s passing yards, as the fifth-year senior reeled in six passes and found the end zone twice, including the game-winning score late in the fourth quarter. It marked the second consecutive game and seventh in his career surpassing 100 yards receiving.

One of the nation’s most talented running backs, RJ Harvey continued his scorching hot start to the season rushing for 180 yards on 29 carries with two touchdowns on the ground. The Hometown Hero also scored his second career receiving touchdown to end the day with 209 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns. Harvey has now rushed for more than 100 yards in his last five games dating back to 2023, scoring 11 TDs during that span.

Defensively, linebacker Deshawn Pace was all over the field to lead the Knights with 11 tackles, including eight solo, to finish one shy of matching his career high. He had two big stops on TCU’s second to last drive, which resulted in a punt to give UCF the ball back with 3:14 remaining.

The Knights’ defense limited the Horned Frogs to just 58 yards rushing, but they threw for 402 yards. UCF’s approach was balanced with 289 yards rushing and 230 passing yards.

UCF will have a bye week before returning to action against Colorado on Saturday, Sept. 28 at FBC Mortgage Stadium.