KJ Jefferson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Hudson with just 36 seconds remaining, helping UCF overcome three blocked kicks and a three-touchdown deficit after halftime to defeat TCU 35-34 on Saturday night. This was the first Big 12 game of the season that counted in the standings.
“I’m really not shocked because I know the type of team that we have and I know the bond that we share,” said Jefferson, who played through some hard hits early in the game. “Coming into the game, we knew we were going to face some adversity.”
Jefferson, who transferred from Arkansas, completed 13 of 22 passes for 230 yards and three touchdowns. RJ Harvey rushed for 180 yards on 29 carries, marking his fifth straight 100-yard game. Harvey also scored two touchdowns and caught a 29-yard pass for his second career touchdown reception this season.
The game-winning touchdown was the first time the Knights (3-0, 1-0 Big 12) took the lead, and it came just four plays after a potential fumble. A replay review confirmed that receiver Randy Pittman Jr. was down before losing the ball with 1:16 left.
UCF scored touchdowns on four of their five possessions in the second half, including the first three. Harvey ran for two of those touchdowns and added a 2-point conversion, while Hudson had a 27-yard touchdown.
“We needed just a little momentum, and when we created the momentum, we capitalized and we stayed together as a team,” said Hudson, who had six catches for 145 yards.
“A lot of times it’s how you win. … Down by 21 points early in the third quarter, it wasn’t looking good,” said UCF coach Gus Malzahn. “I think we’ve got the makings of a good team, found a way to win on the road and I’m proud of our guys.”
