By Positively Osceola Sports Staff

LUBBOCK, TX – The UCF Knights (4-5, 1-5 Big 12) travel west to face one of their toughest challenges of the 2025 season on Saturday afternoon, taking on the No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders (9-1, 6-1 Big 12) at Jones AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

This marks the second-ever meeting between the programs — the first coming in 2023 when Texas Tech edged out UCF in a one-point thriller, 24–23. The Knights will aim to flip the script and secure their fourth-ever victory over an AP Top-10 opponent.

Knights Aiming to Bounce Back

After a heartbreaking 30–27 loss to Houston in last week’s Space Game — the first defeat in the event’s nine-year history — UCF looks to regroup under head coach Scott Frost. Despite the loss, senior defensive back Phillip Dunnam was electric, recording three interceptions (including a 43-yard pick-six), earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.

UCF’s defense remains one of the team’s bright spots, ranked 12th nationally in passing defense, allowing just 168.2 yards per game. The Knights have surrendered the fewest explosive plays (20+ yards) in the Big 12 this season.

Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence continues to anchor UCF’s front line, entering the matchup with 20 career sacks, ranking ninth among all active FBS players. The Knights’ first-quarter dominance has been a calling card — they’ve shut out opponents in seven of nine opening frames this season and allow just 2.3 first-quarter points per game, 11th best in the nation.

UCF’s fourth-quarter defense has also tightened up late, giving up the 14th fewest points nationally in the final period and holding opponents under 100 total yards in each of their last five fourth quarters.

Offense Looking for Spark

Offensively, the Knights have shown balance, averaging 402.6 total yards per game, with 186.3 rushing and 216.2 passing. The ground attack, featuring Jaden Nixon and Myles Montgomery, has delivered several long runs — Nixon alone has four touchdown runs of 50+ yards this season.

Kicker Noe Ruelas has been one of the Knights’ most consistent weapons, tying his career-long 54-yard field goal last week. He is the first UCF player ever to hit three field goals of 50+ yards in a single season.

The Red Raiders, led by head coach Joey McGuire, are on a roll after a dominant 29–7 win over No. 8 BYU. Quarterback Behren Morton has thrown for 1,969 yards and 16 touchdowns this season, while running back Cameron Dickey powers the ground game with 867 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Defensively, Tech boasts All-Big 12 standouts Jacob Rodriguez and David Bailey, part of a unit allowing just 12.6 points per game, third-best in the nation. The Raiders are the only FBS team this year with two wins over CFP Top 15 opponents, defeating BYU and Utah.

What’s at Stake

A win in Lubbock would not only give UCF its fifth victory of the year — surpassing last season’s total — but also mark the program’s first road win of 2025 and a monumental triumph against a top-ranked opponent.

It would also be UCF’s first victory over an AP Top-10 team since its historic Peach Bowl win against No. 7 Auburn in 2018.

Game Information

Kickoff: Saturday, Nov. 15 – 3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT
Location: Jones AT&T Stadium – Lubbock, Texas
TV: FOX
Radio: FM 96.9 / AM 740 The Game – Play-by-play by Marc Daniels and analysis by Gary Parris
Spanish Radio: YouTube.com/UCFKnights – Carlos Bohorquez & Sergio Ruiz Torres

Positively Osceola’s Take

As the Knights hit the road for their final Big 12 stretch, Saturday’s matchup against a surging Texas Tech team will be a true test of resilience and growth for Scott Frost’s squad.

With one of the nation’s stingiest pass defenses, a disruptive edge rush, and a reliable leg in Ruelas, UCF has the pieces to make things interesting in Lubbock. If the Knights can limit turnovers and ignite their ground game early, they could make a little “space history” of their own — this time under the bright West Texas sun.

Stay tuned to Positively Osceola for live updates and postgame coverage from Lubbock as the Knights take on No. 6 Texas Tech.

Photo Source: UCF Knights Football