By Cedric Donaldson
In a euphoric postgame scene at Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium, UCF’s quarterback, John Rhys Plumlee, made a spirited dash into the stands to embrace his mother. This heartwarming moment was a testament to the exuberant celebration that Plumlee, his Knights teammates, and their loyal fans hadn’t experienced since they embarked on their inaugural season in the Big 12 Conference.
The game was a hard-fought battle, with UCF ultimately prevailing in a 28-26 victory over the Bearcats, securing their first Big 12 win. The sense of accomplishment was palpable, as the Knights had invested countless hours of dedication and hard work, both on and off the field.
“A lot of work goes into what we do,” Plumlee acknowledged. “Countless hours up at the facility with coaches. They work their butts off, too. So, we really, really try to enjoy wins because, man, they’re fun.”
Despite surrendering 515 yards of total offense, including 248 rushing yards to the Bearcats (2-7, 0-6 Big 12), the Knights (4-5, 1-5) managed to hand their former American Athletic Conference rivals their sixth consecutive loss. This victory was particularly significant as it marked UCF’s first Big 12 win since joining the conference.
Both UCF and Cincinnati are newcomers to the Big 12, and the game was a symbolic showdown between familiar foes. It had been six years since UCF last tasted victory in Cincinnati.
“Making the move with them to the Big 12, there was a little bit of … I wouldn’t say extra, but we know these guys, right? We’ve played them every year,” Plumlee explained. “So, we really wanted to put on a good showing, and we did enough to win tonight.”
RJ Harvey, the standout running back for the Knights, had a career night, rushing for three touchdowns and accumulating a career-high 164 yards on 20 carries. His 1-yard touchdown run with 2:41 left to play was a pivotal moment, giving UCF a 28-20 lead. The touchdown capped off a determined nine-play, 75-yard drive.
“I just wanted to do what I could to help the team when I got the ball,” Harvey modestly expressed. “It is a good feeling to get through that stretch and get our first win in this league.”
Cincinnati didn’t go down without a fight. Their quarterback, Emory Jones, orchestrated a quick and dramatic drive, covering 74 yards in just 1:14. Jones’s 19-yard scramble and a spectacular 37-yard pass play to Braden Smith brought them within striking distance. Corey Kiner punched in a touchdown to bring the Bearcats within 28-26 with 1:27 remaining, but a failed two-point conversion attempt preserved UCF’s narrow lead.
Cincinnati’s night was marred by eight penalties, including an unsportsmanlike conduct infraction committed by safety Bryon Threats for making contact with an official.
