Saturday, November 25
Orlando, Fla.
11 a.m. CT
University of Houston
4-8 , 2-7
13
at
27
UCF
6-6 , 3-6
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
F
Houston
10
0
0
3
13
UCF
6
7
14
0
27
Photo by: Jordan Burgess/Houston Athletics
Football Drops Season Finale at UCF
11/25/2023 2:06:00 PM | Football
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Cougars upended by Knights, 27-13, to cap inaugural Big 12 campaign
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – University of Houston Football program closed its 2023 season with a 27-13 loss to UCF inside FBC Mortgage Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Houston (4-8, 2-7 Big 12) quarterback Donovan Smith tallied 161 pass yards and 24 rush yards to lead the Cougars.
Houston and UCF (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) exchanged scoring drives throughout the first half. Smith led Houston on an eight-play, 75-yard drive on the opening possession of the game, throwing a forward pitch to Stephon Johnson for a 16-yard touchdown.
UCF took control in the second half with a three-play 81-yard drive to open the third quarter. That drive started with a 57-yard pass from John Rhys Plumlee to Javon Baker.
Plumlee had a big game for the Knights, completing 23 of 27 for 253 yards and rushing for 58 more. He threw for one touchdown and ran for another. R.J. Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two second-half touchdowns to lead the Knights offense.
UCF out-gained Houston 476-260 for the game and 204-74 in the second half.
Trailing by 17, Houston had a chance to score after forcing a turnover on downs near midfield. The Cougars drove near the goal line, but two five-yard penalties and a sack pinned Houston back to the 20 and forced a field goal.
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Houston (4-8, 2-7 Big 12) quarterback Donovan Smith tallied 161 pass yards and 24 rush yards to lead the Cougars.
Houston and UCF (6-6, 3-6 Big 12) exchanged scoring drives throughout the first half. Smith led Houston on an eight-play, 75-yard drive on the opening possession of the game, throwing a forward pitch to Stephon Johnson for a 16-yard touchdown.
UCF took control in the second half with a three-play 81-yard drive to open the third quarter. That drive started with a 57-yard pass from John Rhys Plumlee to Javon Baker.
Plumlee had a big game for the Knights, completing 23 of 27 for 253 yards and rushing for 58 more. He threw for one touchdown and ran for another. R.J. Harvey rushed for 136 yards and two second-half touchdowns to lead the Knights offense.
UCF out-gained Houston 476-260 for the game and 204-74 in the second half.
Trailing by 17, Houston had a chance to score after forcing a turnover on downs near midfield. The Cougars drove near the goal line, but two five-yard penalties and a sack pinned Houston back to the 20 and forced a field goal.
JOIN 2024 SEASON TICKET WAITLIST
Don't miss a minute of action next year by getting on the UH Football Season ticket waitlist. Go to UHCougars.com/waitlist to secure your spot on the 2024 waitlist.
SUPPORT HOUSTON RISE
Join Houston Rise, a $150 million fundraising campaign for Houston Athletics dedicated to championship success in the Big 12 Conference. Every Houston Rise contribution prepares our Cougars to compete and win in the Big 12.
Click here to rise and be counted.
JOIN the 46ers and the HUDDLE
Fans are invited to join the 46ers and the Huddle to directly support Houston Football. Members provide financial support directly to Houston Football for needs beyond operating budget.
For more information about the 46ers and the Huddle, call Cougar Pride at 713-743-GoUH (4684) or click here.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougarFB on Twitter and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at Houston Cougar Football. Fans can also follow the team on Instagram at uhcougarfb.
–– UHCougars.com ––
Team Stats
UH
UCF
Total Yards
259
476
Pass Yards
165
253
Rushing Yards
94
223
Penalty Yards
20
34
1st Downs
17
23
3rd Downs
1
6
4th Downs
3
2
TOP
25:04
34:56
1st Quarter
UH 7, UCF 0
UH - Johnson Jr.,Stephon 16 yd pass from Smith,Donovan (Martin,Jack kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 04:26
UH 7, UCF 6
UCF - Plumlee,John Rhys 8 yd run (), 13 plays, 94 yards, TOP 04:58
UH 10, UCF 6
UH - Martin,Jack 32 yd field goal 8 plays, 60 yards, TOP 03:35
2nd Quarter
UH 10, UCF 13
UCF - Townsend,Xavier 28 yd pass from Plumlee,John Rhys (Boomer,Colton kick) 8 plays, 75 yards, TOP 05:58
3rd Quarter
UH 10, UCF 20
UCF - Harvey,RJ 21 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 3 plays, 81 yards, TOP 00:53
UH 10, UCF 27
UCF - Harvey,RJ 2 yd run (Boomer,Colton kick), 7 plays, 52 yards, TOP 02:52
4th Quarter
UH 13, UCF 27
UH - Martin,Jack 34 yd field goal 11 plays, 34 yards, TOP 07:22
Game Leaders
Passing Leaders
CMP
12
TD
1
YDS
161
INT
1
Players Mentioned
WR
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