Orlando, Fl – UCF turned a back-and-forth first half into a dominant second-half performance Saturday night, pulling away from Georgia State for a 44-30 victory at the Acrisure Bounce House in the first-ever meeting between the two programs.
The Knights entered the night looking to bounce back from a 12-7 loss to Pittsburgh, while Georgia State arrived undefeated at 2-0. After trading momentum throughout the opening half, UCF found its rhythm after halftime, using explosive plays and 24 second-half points to take control.
UCF struck first when running back Duke Watson broke through for a 14-yard touchdown run. Will Stone added a 29-yard field goal before Georgia State answered with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cameran Brown to Rodshaun Dorsey.
Quarterback Keyone Jenkins, making his first start with Alonza Barnett III sidelined by a hamstring injury, responded by connecting with Waden Charles for a 30-yard touchdown, giving UCF a 17-7 lead. Georgia State answered again as Dorsey hauled in his second touchdown of the night, this time from six yards out.
The Panthers then seized control in the second quarter. Quentin Wiggins broke loose for a 78-yard rushing touchdown, putting Georgia State ahead 21-17. UCF responded with two field goals, but Georgia State closed the half with another field goal to take a 24-20 lead into halftime.
Then the game changed.
Just seconds into the third quarter, Watson broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run, immediately putting UCF back in front, 27-24. Georgia State answered with a 35-yard field goal to tie the game, but Jenkins responded with a four-yard rushing touchdown late in the quarter to give the Knights a 34-27 lead.
UCF continued to build on its momentum in the fourth quarter. Stone added another field goal to push the lead to 37-27 before Georgia State cut the deficit to seven with a 49-yard field goal. The Knights ultimately created enough separation to close out the 44-30 victory.
Watson provided one of the game’s biggest sparks for UCF, breaking off touchdown runs of 14 and 63 yards and repeatedly giving the Knights a boost with his explosiveness on the ground. Jenkins also stepped up in his first start, contributing both through the air and on the ground as UCF found its offensive rhythm after halftime.
The win moves UCF to 2-1 heading into Big 12 play, while Georgia State falls to 2-1 after entering the matchup undefeated.
