UCF returns from bye week refreshed for No. 2 BYU showdown

Photo courtesy of Aryah Britt

This Saturday marks history as the Knights welcome the No. 2-ranked BYU Cougars to the Acrisure Bounce House for their annual Homecoming game.

The Cougars (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) enter Saturday’s matchup as the highest-ranked opponent to play in Orlando, surpassing a No. 6 Texas team that visited on Sept. 15, 2007.

BYU comes into the Bounce House fresh off a statement 28-24 upset victory over No. 2 Notre Dame in Provo, Utah, on Saturday, where the Cougars were ranked No. 8.

Nonetheless, head coach Scott Frost told reporters on Monday his group is grateful for the opportunity and anticipates a high-energy locker room ahead of kickoff.

“It’s the Big 12, everybody’s pretty close, BYU is the best of the bunch obviously,” Frost said. “It’s an awesome opportunity on homecoming to go shoot our shot.”

As for the Knights (3-3, 1-2 Big 12), they come fresh out of a bye week where the group looked to gain fresher bodies, particularly redshirt senior quarterback Alonza Barnett III, senior wide receiver Duane Thomas Jr., redshirt freshman offensive lineman Jacob Maiava and senior Owen Spell, and senior linebacker Lewis Carter.

Frost said the group held one practice last week that included lifting and running.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday afternoon that Barnett will not start against BYU as he is still dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained in UCF’s loss to Pitt on Sept. 12.

However, offensive coordinator Steve Cooper did not confirm or deny the news to reporters that Barnett will be officially ruled out.

“I think there’s a fair chance he’ll be ready to go if everything goes well this week in practice,” Cooper said. “He could be available, but I just don’t know yet, you know.”

Cooper added that Barnett is practicing with the team in a limited role.

If Barnett is not available, senior quarterback Keyone Jenkins would make his fifth straight start for the Knights.

Frost spoke highly of Jenkins and what he has done in Barnett’s absence, despite a two-game losing streak against ranked No. 20 Houston and No. 18 Oklahoma State.

“I don’t think it’s an issue of grasping the offense with [Jenkins],” Frost said. “I think he’s played better every game that he’s played, so I think it’s more experience than grasping the offense at this point.”

Through four starts, Jenkins has recorded 764 passing yards, seven passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns and three interceptions. He has completed 79 of 114 passes, a 69.3% completion rate.

With the quarterback position still up in the air, other players have used the bye week to their advantage.

Redshirt senior offensive lineman Preston Cushman, who took a trip home to Saint Petersburg, told reporters his body feels its best since fall camp.

With half of the season done, the Knights are looking to come back fresh and finish the rest of the season on a strong note.

“It really rejuvenated all the guys. I can’t wait to hear the stories about the guys getting away and how they feel,” Cushman said. “We just played season 1-A. Now we’re in season 1-B, so I’m rejuvenated as ever to go kick some butt.”

“We’ve played a pretty tough slate for six games, I’ve been really happy with our team’s fight,” Frost said. “We need to play our best football going forward. I don’t want to peak in September; I want to peak in late October and November.”

With a rejuvenated roster after the bye week, the team will game plan as it prepares to write a narrative for the second half of the season against No. 2 BYU in the Acrisure Bounce House this Saturday at 3:30 p.m.