TCU looks to contain UCF star RJ Harvey in Big 12 opener

Running back RJ Harvey leads UCF into hostile territory on Saturday night when the Knights take on TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.

Through two games, Harvey is second in the nation in rushing touchdowns (six) and eighth in rushing yards (268).

UCF (2-0) also leads the Big 12 in scoring with 51 points a game heading into the conference opener for both teams.

This will be the first meeting of the two schools. In fact, it's the first time TCU has played any school from Florida since 1992. The Horned Frogs (2-0) are coming off their first shutout since 2017 after beating LIU 45-0 last week.

"Overall, this is a good challenge for our team. We're really looking forward to playing these guys," said UCF coach Gus Malzahn. "Real impressed with their quarterback, he can really throw it, but he can also make plays with his feet."

TCU quarterback Josh Hoover took over the starting job midway through the 2023 season. He has thrown for 620 yards and four scores this season. Cam Cook has 139 rushing yards in two games.

"I thought our guys played clean and well in the first half," said Horned Frogs coach Sonny Dykes after the LIU win. "It's really difficult to get a shutout in college football."

Johnny Hodges leads the Horned Frogs defense with 16 tackles. Namdi Obiazor has 1.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.

UCF went 1-4 in Big 12 road games last season. This is an early test for both teams looking to make a statement in the conference.

"Their head coach is one of the best in the country," Malzahn said. "This is a big test for us. And we're looking forward to seeing where we're at on the road for the first conference game. We'll see what happens at the end with how everything unfolds conference-wise, but I think this is one of the more talented teams in our conference, just big picture-wise, and we have to go on the road to their place."

UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson, a former starter at Arkansas, has thrown for 333 yards and two scores.

--Field Level Media