The Arizona State Sun Devils secured a crucial 26-13 road victory over the UCF Knights on November 14, utilizing a dominant ground game and stifling defense to improve their Big 12 standing.
The Arizona State Sun Devils defeated the UCF Knights 26-13 in a Saturday night contest at Orlando, snapping a losing skid and bolstering their postseason hopes in the Big 12. The decisive factor was Arizona State’s ability to control the clock through a balanced offensive attack led by running back Cardae Mack, while their defense held the Knights to just one touchdown and failed two-point conversion attempts late in the game.
Arizona State Sun Devils Performance
Arizona State (7-4) improved to seventh in the Big 12 standings with this road win, demonstrating a significant turnaround from previous struggles. The Sun Devils relied heavily on their rushing attack, which kept the UCF offense off the field and allowed kicker Carson Smith to build a cushion through multiple field goals. Quarterback Jake Fette managed the game efficiently, avoiding turnovers and distributing the ball effectively to support the run game.
Running back Cardae Mack was the engine of the Sun Devils’ offense, carrying the ball 25 times for 111 yards and scoring a critical 8-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to seal the victory. His consistent yardage averaged nearly 4.5 yards per carry, forcing UCF to play from behind and abandon their defensive structure. Receiver Reed Harris served as Fette’s primary safety valve, catching seven passes for 80 yards and providing reliable targets throughout the contest.
On the defensive side, Owen Long anchored the unit with a team-high nine total tackles, helping to limit big plays and disrupt UCF’s rhythm. Jalen Thompson provided essential pressure up front with one sack, disrupting passing lanes when it mattered most. The defense also made a pivotal stop late in the game, preventing a two-point conversion that would have cut into the deficit, preserving the 13-point margin.
UCF Knights Performance
The UCF Knights (5-5) fell to ninth place in the Big 12 after dropping their ninth game of the season. Despite flashes of offensive efficiency, particularly through the air, the Knights could not overcome Arizona State’s physical play in the trenches or their own inability to convert key scoring opportunities. The loss leaves UCF with slim postseason aspirations as they look to salvage relevance in a crowded conference.
Quarterback Alonza Barnett III completed 21 of 30 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown, showing poise under pressure. He connected with wide receiver Josh Derry, who led all receivers with seven catches for 137 yards. Derry caught a 40-yard touchdown pass from Barnett late in the game, but the subsequent two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving UCF trailing by 13 points and unable to mount a final comeback.
Running back Landen Chambers contributed on the ground with seven carries for 54 yards and a 2-yard rushing touchdown early in the game. However, the Knights’ rushing attack lacked the consistency to match Arizona State’s ground game, limiting their ability to sustain drives. Linebacker Tackett Curtis led the UCF defense with eight tackles, but the unit struggled to contain Mack and generate sufficient pressure on Fette, allowing the Sun Devils to control the tempo of the game.
Turning Point
The turning point of the contest occurred late in the fourth quarter when Arizona State scored an 8-yard touchdown run by Cardae Mack, extending their lead to 19-13. Following this score, UCF attempted a comeback with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Alonza Barnett III to Tyren Hornes. However, the Knights’ failure to convert the two-point pass conversion left them down six points. This missed opportunity effectively ended UCF’s chances, as Arizona State’s defense held firm to secure the 26-13 victory and preserve their playoff positioning.
What It Means Next
For Arizona State, this victory keeps them in contention for postseason consideration under the new 24-team College Football Playoff format. The Sun Devils will return home to host the Oklahoma State Cowboys on Saturday, November 22, looking to build momentum against a familiar Big 12 rival. For UCF, the loss highlights the need for improvement in both red-zone efficiency and defensive pressure if they hope to survive their upcoming matchup against Iowa State. The Knights will host the Iowa State Cyclones on November 20 in a critical game for their postseason hopes.
- Cardae Mack’s Ground Game: Mack’s 111 rushing yards and touchdown were instrumental in controlling time of possession and breaking the game open late.
- Carson Smith’s Kicking: Smith hit four field goals, including long kicks from 51 and 41 yards, providing stability for an offense that relied on field position.
- Defensive Stops: Arizona State’s defense forced a failed two-point conversion and limited UCF to just 13 points despite Barnett’s efficient passing.
- Big 12 Standings: The win moves ASU to 7th in the conference, while UCF drops to 9th, intensifying the battle for playoff spots.
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