UCF football unbeaten Space Games crushes No. 17 Oklahoma State 3 takeaways

UCF's football team, known as the Citronauts, crushed Oklahoma State 45-3. RJ Harvey ran for 206 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The UCF football team has turned into a juggernaut, adopting the nickname Citronauts for the seventh year in a row. RJ Harvey ran for a career-high 206 yards and scored three touchdowns, while John Rhys Plumlee connected with Kobe Hudson for three touchdown passes, leading UCF to a 45-3 victory over Oklahoma State. This win marked UCF's first Big 12 home victory and was a significant statement to college football.

The defense was a standout, holding the nation's leading rusher, Ollie Gordon II, to just 25 yards on 12 attempts and forcing four turnovers, including three interceptions of Cowboys quarterback Alan Bowman. UCF's coach, Gus Malzahn, emphasized the importance of seizing the moment, acknowledging the team's ability to play at a high level and make an impact on college football.

This win improved UCF's record to 7-0 in Space Games and marked its first victory in such occasions over a ranked opponent. The fans stormed the field after the game, celebrating the team's remarkable performance. With this victory, UCF is on track to achieve bowl eligibility in its debut Big 12 season, needing just one win in its last two contests.

RJ Harvey's impressive performance extended his streak of 100-yard rushing games to five, making him the first Knight to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season since 2018. The defense also excelled, making crucial plays and controlling the line of scrimmage, despite ranking low nationally against the run. Demari Henderson, a hometown hero, was a standout in the game, recovering a fumble and grabbing two interceptions.

John Rhys Plumlee, in addition to his impressive passing, also had a season-high 14 rushes for 74 yards. He demonstrated his resilience after recovering from a meniscus injury and showed great awareness and smart play during the game. Plumlee's three touchdown passes, all to Kobe Hudson, showcased UCF's offensive prowess.

The team's performance was not only a significant victory but also a testament to the players' individual skills and determination. The win over Oklahoma State was a turning point for UCF's football program, showcasing its potential in the Big 12 conference. This victory has set the stage for the team's future success and its ability to compete at the highest level of college football.