AMES — Another game has passed and now-No. 9 Iowa State has another chance to continue its historic start to the season, as the Cyclones host UCF for the first time in program history.
The Knights are coming into this matchup hoping to reignite their season following a three-game losing streak after starting the season 3-0. But one thing that has kept UCF in its game has been the rushing attack that has been led by star running back RJ Harvey.
Harvey currently holds 694 yards on the ground on 108 attempts with nine touchdowns, which is currently the most amongst Big 12 tailbacks. His efforts have only spearheaded this Knights running game that currently holds as the best unit in the conference.
Along with Harvey, UCF has four other runners that have at least 150 yards rushing, with three out of the four holding two rushing touchdowns to their name.
Running backs Peny Boone and Myles Montgomery have been the backups to Harvey, while quarterbacks KJ Jefferson and Jacurri Brown provide as dual-threat players.
UCF currently leads the Big 12 in total rushing yards (1,608), attempts (289), rushing touchdowns (15) and average rushing yards per game (268). The Knights also sit fourth in the nation with their rushing offense, as they’ve been a force to be reckoned with when it comes to getting yards through the ground.
The Cyclones defensive line has been prone to give up big runs to powerful running backs and will prove to be yet another challenge to try and halt this dominant UCF rushing attack.
“It’s going to be a real challenge for the defensive line to stop them, so I’m excited about it,” redshirt senior defensive lineman J.R. Singleton said.
Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell has been impressed with what the Knights have been able to accomplish on the ground and is looking forward to challenging them on Saturday.
“It’s been outstanding,” Campbell said. “Everybody that has played for them in the running back position has had an elite trait and that elite trait is running the football. So when you have multiple runners who can attack multiple gaps is a real challenge.”
Despite the running game leading the way, UCF’s passing game can still cause this Iowa State defense some trouble, despite the unknown with its starting quarterback.
Wide receiver Kobe Hudson has been the most impactful on the Knights, as he leads the team with 477 yards on 23 catches while having three touchdowns.
Cyclones defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has been excellent in preventing opposing offenses from scoring a lot of points against his team but looks forward to the challenge that this UCF offense brings to his defense.
“They’re very skilled,” Heacock said. “The tailbacks are as good as anyone we’ve played and maybe even down the stretch. We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
As for the Iowa State offense, quarterback Rocco Becht is looking forward to playing against a UCF defense that has had its strong suit in stopping the run by only giving up an average of 91.2 yards on the ground which is second-best in the conference.
“I think UCF is going to be the most talented team we’ve played so far,” Becht said. “They’ve got a bunch of guys on defense that can fly around the ball so we’re going to have to be on [our game].”
The clash between Iowa State and UCF will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday from Jack Trice Stadium. The game will be nationally televised on FS1.
