Baylor Defeats UCF 30-3

**Baylor Routs UCF 30-3, Snaps Skid with Dominant Home Victory**

**WACO, Texas – October 28, 2023 –** Baylor found its stride and a much-needed victory at McLane Stadium on Saturday, dominating UCF with a commanding 30-3 performance. The decisive win marks a significant turnaround for the Bears, pushing their overall record to 3-5 and improving their Big 12 Conference standing to 2-3, breaking a two-game losing streak and offering a jolt of momentum in a challenging season.

Quarterback Sawyer Robertson, making his first start since early October due to an injury to Blake Shapen, was a standout, orchestrating the offense with precision. Robertson completed 22 of 33 attempts for 283 yards and threw three touchdown passes, showcasing a connection that had been largely absent in recent weeks.

His primary target was junior wide receiver Ketron Jackson Jr., who proved to be a big-play threat. Jackson snagged a spectacular 54-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, giving Baylor an early lead, and added a 28-yard score in the third, effectively putting the game out of reach. Tight end Drake Dabney also contributed significantly, hauling in a 22-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.

On the ground, true freshman Caden Knighten delivered a career-best performance, rushing for 104 yards on 20 carries, providing a crucial balanced attack for the Baylor offense. The Bears opened the scoring with a 34-yard field goal from Isaiah Hankins in the first quarter, setting the tone for their control of the game.

Baylor’s defense was equally impressive, stifling UCF’s attack throughout the afternoon. The unit held the Knights to a mere 240 yards of total offense and generated two crucial turnovers, including an interception. UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee struggled to find a rhythm against the relentless Baylor pressure, finishing with just 144 passing yards and one interception. UCF’s only points came from a 40-yard field goal by Colton Boomer in the second quarter, making it 10-3 at one point before Baylor exploded for 20 unanswered points.

For UCF, the loss drops them to 3-5 overall and a challenging 0-5 in Big 12 play, highlighting the difficulties of their inaugural season in the conference. The Knights, one of four new members to the league this season, have yet to secure a conference victory.

“This was exactly what we needed,” said Baylor Head Coach Dave Aranda after the game, acknowledging the team’s resilience. “Our guys played with passion and executed the game plan on both sides of the ball. Sawyer stepped up, the defense was dominant, and it was a full team effort. This is something we can build on.” The victory offers a crucial boost for Aranda’s program, which entered the game facing increasing pressure after a string of disappointing results.

The win not only provides a morale boost but keeps Baylor’s slim hopes for bowl eligibility alive, requiring them to win at least three of their remaining four games.

Baylor will look to carry this momentum into their next contest as they travel to take on conference newcomer Houston at TDECU Stadium on November 4th. UCF, meanwhile, will seek their first Big 12 win when they host Cincinnati on November 4th.