UCF takes immense pride in its annual space game.
Since its launch in 2017, the Knights have celebrated this unique event in a way that highlights the university’s longstanding connection with NASA and the space program. This is showcased through their space-themed uniforms and the introduction of an alternate mascot, the Citronaut.
But perhaps the largest source of pride among the players and coaches is the perfect 8-0 record in the games themselves.
“It might just be the space game magic,” running back Myles Montgomery said of the program’s undefeated mark in the games.
UCF has dominated this event…
UCF takes immense pride in its annual space game.
Since its launch in 2017, the Knights have celebrated this unique event in a way that highlights the university’s longstanding connection with NASA and the space program. This is showcased through their space-themed uniforms and the introduction of an alternate mascot, the Citronaut.
But perhaps the largest source of pride among the players and coaches is the perfect 8-0 record in the games themselves.
“It might just be the space game magic,” running back Myles Montgomery said of the program’s undefeated mark in the games.
UCF has dominated this event, averaging 50.6 points per game, while holding opponents to just under 20 points per contest.
Since joining the Big 12 in 2023, the significance of the past two space games has really ramped up.
After snapping a five-game losing streak, UCF delivered an impressive performance against No. 15 Oklahoma State, winning 45-3, on Nov. 11, 2023. The win helped the Knights eventually secure six wins and an appearance in the Gasparilla Bowl.
The following year, UCF used a 56-12 win over Arizona to snap a five-game losing streak.
As they head into their matchup against Houston on Friday, the Knights could really use a win for their postseason hopes.
UCF (4-4, 1-4 Big 12) needs two wins over the next four games to be bowl-eligible for the first time since that 2023 season.
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“We’ve talked about it,” Montgomery said. “We need two more wins to go bowling. I’ve been saying that since the first game that the mission still has not changed.”
The Knights have a 64% chance of reaching six wins according to the latest ESPN Football Power Index. That’s optimistic considering the remaining four games feature teams with a combined record of 24-11, including No. 8 BYU (8-0) and No. 9 Texas Tech (8-1).
The best chances for wins come against the Cougars (7-2) on Friday and Oklahoma State (1-8) on Nov. 22.
While a postseason bowl appearance in coach Scott Frost’s return would exceed most of the preseason expectations, it’s not the primary focus for the team heading into this week.
“It’s college football. On any given day, anyone can beat anyone, and that’s the thing that’s awesome about it,” linebacker Cole Kozlowski said. “That’s the thing that makes it so entertaining. So, we have to maintain the same confidence level and treat every week the same.”
“Regardless of results right now, we have to keep improving,” said Frost. “This league has enough parity in it that if anybody just gets marginally better, you’re going to have a chance to make that jump and be in the middle or top of the standings in this league.
“We’re not that far away, but we’re miles away and at the same time and that’s the gap that we got to make up just by continuing to grind and improve.”
Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com