This is an important game for both schools because both are still eying the possibility of being selected for a major bowl despite two losses for UCF (2-2 overall) and a single defeat for BYU (4-1). That came last week, a 35-20 beating by Utah State that cost the Cougars their spot in the national polls and, more importantly, their quarterback.
In just one play last week, BYU went from having one of nation’s most explosive offensive players and daydreaming about a possible undefeated season, to facing a remaining schedule now soaked in questions.
"I expect BYU to rally behind that kid," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "He threw the ball well. He has quick feet. You just have to move on; like anybody else, it's next batter up."
The Cougars (4-1) have had a short week to adjust to losing Heisman Trophy hopeful quarterback and leading rusher Taysom Hill to a season-ending broken leg during their loss to Utah State last week.
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The loss dropped BYU out of the Top 25, but coach Bronco Mendenhall is hoping his team can begin to put things back together tonight when it visits UCF.
His first task is to convince his team that it is deeper than one player.
"I think there was a level of confidence, I wouldn't say dependence," Cougars coach Bronco Mendenhall said this week of Hill. "Taysom is gone. One player does not make a team, even though Taysom is a fantastic player, but the execution of all positions within their assignment, within their technique — that has to improve right now."
That begins with senior quarterback Christian Stewart, who will make his first start as a Cougar against the Knights. He struggled last week in relief of Hill last week, completing just 10 of 29 passes for 172 yards, no touchdowns and three interceptions.
Stewart will face a Knights defense that has steadily improved in back-to-back victories the past two weeks.
UCF has given up just 19 points combined in the wins, after surrendering 26 and 31 points in two losses to open the season. But Knights coach George O'Leary doesn't expect to have an easier time with Hill out.
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