UCF’s rushing attack presents the Gators with a tall task in Week 6

After a bye week, Florida (2-2, 1-1 SEC) hosts UCF (3-1, 1-1 Big 12) in an in-state showdown at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

The Knights come to Gainesville boasting the second-best rushing attack in the country, averaging over 300 yards per game. Fifth-year running back RJ Harvey and fifth-year quarterback KJ Jefferson were key players in UCF’s explosive backfield.

The duo has plagued opposing defenses all season and will look to continue their exceptional play on Saturday against the Gators. UCF is the only team in the FBS to rush for at least 140 yards in 17 straight games.

Harvey has been the Knights’ workhorse offensively this season. UCF’s scheme and game plan revolved around running the football extensively for lots of yards.

“He’s as good as his own runner, which probably doesn’t exist in college football with his patience, his vision and everything that goes with it,” UCF head coach Gus Malzahn said after the Knights’ 45-14 victory over Sam Houston on September 7th.

Harvey ran for over 1,400 yards in 2023, averaging 6.3 yards per carry, and also scored 16 rushing touchdowns. With 525 rushing yards in his first four games in 2024, he’s already on pace to crack this season.

Harvey is a strong, physical defender who can compete long-range on every play. He put his explosiveness on full display against Colorado on Saturday, racking up 169 yards from scrimmage. With a career-high in receiving yards against CU, Harvey is on pace to break his career-high in receiving yards in a season.

Meanwhile, Jefferson continued to serve as the second cog in the Knights’ two-man attack.

The first thing that stands out about the fifth-year quarterback is his size. At 1.90 meters tall and weighing 110 kilograms, Jefferson doesn’t shy away from contact and tries to get offside as quickly as possible.

Through four games, Jefferson is averaging 4.3 yards per carry for 211 yards.

Jefferson is no stranger to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Before transferring to UCF from Arkansas last season, he put on a show to beat the Gators in a 39-36 overtime thriller. Jefferson ran the ball 17 times for 92 yards and a touchdown in the contest.

Between Harvey and Jefferson, the UCF duo has already combined for 124 carries for 736 yards and 10 touchdowns through the first four games of 2024.