3 Reasons Why UCF Lost to Colorado in Week 5 Big 12 matchup

The UCF Knights suffered their first loss of the 2024 season, falling 48-21 in a dominant display from Deion Sanders' Colorado Buffaloes on Sunday. Despite entering the game as a 12.5-point favorite, the Knights struggled on both sides of the ball.

Looking into UCF's matchup versus Colorado (4-1, 2-0 Big 12), we'll look at three reasons why the Knights (3-1, 1-1) lost the Week 5 matchup.

Three Reasons Why UCF Lost to Colorado in Week 5

Struggling run game

In a game versus one of the country's worst defenses against the run, UCF expected to dominate in the trenches behind one of the nation's best rushing attacks, a Gus Malzahn staple. Colorado bowed its neck, allowing just 177 yards on 44 carries. For a team averaging 375.6 rushing yards entering Week 5, that total was minimal against what was presumed to be a weak front.

Losing turnover battle

Protecting the ball was not UCF's strong suit against Colorado. The Knights turned the ball over four times, while Colorado turned the ball over just once. KJ Jefferson threw two interceptions, his first on UCF's opening drive and his second in the third quarter. Jefferson also fumbled in the fourth quarter, resulting in a touchdown for Colorado's defense. Star running back RJ Harvey also fumbled in the third quarter.

Defensive struggles

If the Buffaloes are running the ball with consistency, you're not likely to win the game. Colorado's offensive line has shown improvement from last year's abysmal group, but is still one of the worst in the Big 12. You wouldn't think so lowly of the group if you watched the UCF game, as the Buffaloes racked up a season-high 128 yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries.