Central Florida running back RJ Harvey (22) fumbles out of bounds after getting hit by Cincinnati linebacker Ivan Pace Jr., right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - RJ Harvey had a 17-yard touchdown run with 48 seconds remaining, sending UCF to a 25-21 win over No. 20 Cincinnati on Saturday.
Harvey's go-ahead TD capped a seven-play, 75-yard march directed by Mikey Keene. The backup quarterback was 4 for 4 for 57 yards on the drive.
Cincinnati (6-2, 3-1 American Athletic Conference) took a 21-18 lead with 3:04 remaining. Ryan Montgomery scored on a 39-yard touchdown run, and the Bearcats added the 2-point conversion on a Ben Bryant pass to Tyler Scott.
UCF (6-2, 3-1) took a 10-6 lead into halftime on the strength of a 26-yard touchdown run by Harvey. The Knights added a safety in the third quarter when Josh Celiscar sacked Bryant in the end zone.
Cincinnati had won six in a row since a season-opening loss to Arkansas. Bryant passed for 298 yards and a touchdown, and Montgomery had a team-high 40 yards rushing on three carries.
Harvey had 18 carries for 84 yards for UCF. The Knights finished with 258 yards on the ground and 247 through the air.
Following a fumble recovery, Bryant threw a 14-yard touchdown to Josh Whyte to make it 13-12 at the end of the third quarter. Whyte's TD capped a 10-play, 84-yard drive.
UCF quarterback John Rhys Plumlee was 7 of 11 for 71 yards when he was knocked out of the game late in the first half. He also rushed for 31 yards.
THE TAKEAWAY
Cincinnati: Outside of Montgomery's touchdown run, the Bearcats couldn't get anything established on the ground.
UCF: Keene's experience from starting 10 games last year as a true freshman proved to be invaluable. He walked into a tough situation, but one he was familiar with. Keene put together his best drive of the day when the Knights needed it most and kept UCF in contention for the American Athletic Conference championship.
UP NEXT
Cincinnati: Will host Navy next Saturday.
UCF: At Memphis next Saturday.
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Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) looks to throw a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Cincinnati, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Central Florida defensive tackle Ricky Barber (5) celebrates after sacking Cincinnati quarterback Ben Bryant during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Cincinnati wide receiver Tyler Scott (21) cannot make a catch on a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, left, is sacked by Cincinnati defensive lineman Justin Wodtly, center, the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) lands after catching a pass in front of Central Florida defensive back Koby Perry (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Cincinnati placekicker Ryan Coe, second from left, is congratulated by teammates after booting a 33-yard field goal during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press
Central Florida cornerback Brandon Adams, left, and defensive back Divaad Wilson, right, break up a pass intended for Cincinnati wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
The Associated Press