The UCF Knights showcased their offensive power once again, defeating the Sam Houston Bearkats 45-14 on Saturday in their second straight home victory. UCF running back RJ Harvey put on a standout performance, rushing for four touchdowns, three of which came in the first half, helping the Knights move to 2-0 on the season.
Harvey was unstoppable on the ground, racking up 126 yards on 19 carries. His dominant display spearheaded UCF’s relentless ground game, which amassed 384 rushing yards, following up a 454-yard rushing effort from their victory over New Hampshire the previous week. Harvey’s performance was his fourth consecutive game with over 100 yards rushing, a streak that dates back to last season. Incredibly, the senior back has now surpassed the 100-yard mark in 10 of his last 11 games, cementing his role as a key weapon for the Knights’ offense.
UCF, known for its powerful rushing attack, ranked fifth in the nation in rushing yards per game last season but only managed one 300-yard rushing game in 2023. This year, they have already achieved that feat in both of their first two games, setting a tone ahead of their opening Big 12 Conference clash against TCU next week. In the first half alone against Sam Houston, UCF gained 243 yards on the ground, overwhelming the Bearkats’ defense.
Harvey’s three-touchdown first-half explosion set the tone early for the Knights, who built a commanding lead. Myles Montgomery added to UCF’s ground dominance with a short touchdown run in the third quarter, and Peny Boone sealed the game with another rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter. By the end of the game, UCF had accumulated 554 total yards, continuing to display the offensive firepower that has been their hallmark in the early season.
The Bearkats struggled to contain UCF’s high-powered rushing attack, and despite some moments of offensive success, they were unable to match the Knights’ pace. UCF’s defense played a key role in limiting Sam Houston’s scoring opportunities, allowing the Knights to cruise to a comfortable victory.
With their second commanding win of the season, UCF now turns its attention to a challenging road test as they open Big 12 play against TCU next week. Having showcased their ground dominance in consecutive games, the Knights will look to carry their momentum into conference play, with Harvey and their running game at the forefront of their attack.
