Orlando, Fla. — The Utah Utes secured a much-needed victory on Friday night, breaking a seven-game losing streak with a 28-14 win against UCF. The Utes made a significant impact with their defense, forcing three turnovers and scoring two touchdowns on those turnovers, including a notable 60-yard interception return for a touchdown by Zemaiah Vaughn.
Utah (5-7, 2-7 in Big 12) capitalized on a fumble by UCF quarterback Dylan Rizk during the opening drive, converting the turnover into a field goal. Vaughn’s impressive pick-6 occurred midway through the second quarter and helped to shift the momentum in favor of the Utes. Later in the fourth quarter, Smith Snowden added to the Utes’ lead with a 13-yard interception return, making the score 28-7.
The only offensive touchdown for Utah came from a 15-yard pass completion from quarterback Luke Bottari to Landen King, just at the start of the fourth quarter. This touchdown pushed Utah ahead 21-7, presenting a significant challenge for a struggling UCF team (4-8, 2-7), which has now lost eight of its last nine games after a promising start of 3-0 and 1-0 in conference play.
Both teams have had their share of quarterback changes this season, each starting four different players, and this instability has likely contributed to their inability to meet the expectations set before the season. Utah was particularly expected to perform well, being named the preseason favorite to win the Big 12, but injuries and other challenges have hindered their progress.
Despite the loss, UCF outgained Utah in total yardage, with 379 yards compared to Utah’s 198 yards. Micah Bernard led the Utes with 87 rushing yards on 22 attempts, while Bottari completed 13 of 20 passes for a total of 111 yards. UCF’s RJ Harvey, who was entering the game ranked fourth in the nation for rushing yards, managed to gain 119 yards on 20 carries, scoring one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown in the final moments of the game.
Rizk struggled throughout the game, finishing with 118 passing yards while completing only 11 out of 27 passes. UCF head coach Gus Malzahn had additional motivations for the game beyond just winning; he aimed to facilitate Harvey’s success in setting a new record for most career touchdowns at UCF. Harvey achieved this milestone with a 5-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter, bringing his career total to 47 touchdowns, surpassing Kevin Smith’s record. For the season, Harvey accumulated 1,942 total yards and 25 touchdowns, making a notable impact in his final collegiate season, which also included his first completed pass for 18 yards during the game.
Looking ahead, Utah concluded its season on a relatively positive note after navigating significant injuries, particularly at the quarterback position. However, lingering questions remain for the Utes, especially regarding head coach Kyle Whittingham’s future with the program, as hints of potential retirement have been dropped after his long tenure.
UCF’s season ended on a disappointing note, missing out on bowl eligibility for the first time since a winless season in 2015, following a season that initially held so much promise.
Utah will not participate in a bowl game for the first time since 2020, marking the first absence since 2013. Meanwhile, UCF wraps up with a record of 4-8, reflecting a season that began with high hopes but fell significantly short.