Fourth Time's the Charm: Dylan Rizk's Stellar Debut
Dylan Rizk may not have been the first choice, or even the second or third, but sometimes the fourth time is where the magic happens. This redshirt sophomore took the reins as the fourth quarterback to start for UCF this season, and what a debut it was! In a stunning turnaround, Rizk led the Knights to a dominating 56-12 victory over Arizona at home, breaking a frustrating five-game losing streak. This win provided a much-needed boost of energy and morale for a team that has been navigating a season filled with uncertainty.
A Shift in Leadership
The victory came at a pivotal moment. Coach Gus Malzahn, recognizing the team's struggles, made significant changes leading up to the game. He parted ways with defensive coordinator Ted Roof and handed the play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Tim Harris Jr. This new direction sparked not only the team’s energy but also reinvigorated the coaching staff’s approach. “I’m extremely proud of our players. We went through an extremely tough stretch, and they hung in there,” Malzahn expressed after the game, emphasizing the renewed spirit on the sidelines.
This shift was exactly what the Knights needed, especially considering that their offense had been averaging just 21 points over the past four games. The 56 points scored against Arizona marked a significant achievement for UCF (4-5, 2-4 Big 12), setting a record for the most points in a Big 12 game.
Rizk's Moment to Shine
Rizk’s journey to this moment wasn’t a straightforward path. He joined fellow quarterbacks KJ Jefferson, EJ Colson, and Jacurri Brown, each of whom started games this season for the Knights. Previously, Rizk had appeared in two games but really made his mark by rallying the Knights to a couple of late touchdowns in a blowout loss to BYU just the week before. “I always knew there was a plan for me,” Rizk reflected. “I always say: Be ready. Coach Gus and Coach Harris always told me to be ready. You never know when your time comes.” And when it did, Rizk was ready to rise to the occasion.
His preparation paid off in a big way during the annual Space Game, where the Knights donned special uniforms that paid tribute to NASA's plans to return to the moon. From the moment the game kicked off, it was clear that UCF was shooting for the stars.
A Stellar Performance
It didn’t take long for Rizk to make an impact. He orchestrated a drive that culminated in the game’s opening touchdown—a 4-yard quarterback scramble that set the tone for the Knights. As steady rain began to fall, it was Rizk’s leadership that shone through. The defense also stepped up, with safety Quadric Bullard forcing a fumble that linebacker Ethan Barr recovered on Arizona's 17-yard line. This turned into a quick touchdown as running back RJ Harvey burst through the line untouched, dashing 17 yards into the end zone.
But Harvey wasn’t finished yet. He scored again on the Knights’ next possession, this time on an 18-yard run, extending UCF's lead to 21-0. By the time Myles Montgomery added another touchdown with a 5-yard run just before halftime, the score stood at 28-0, showcasing UCF’s dominance.
Arizona Finds Its Footing
Arizona (3-6, 1-5 Big 12) managed to get on the scoreboard just before halftime. Quarterback Noah Fifita connected with tight end Sam Olson for a 23-yard touchdown. However, the Knights weren’t ready to settle for a comfortable lead. They drove down the field with determination, and Rizk capped off the first half with an incredible 48-yard Hail Mary touchdown pass to tight end Randy Pittman. “I didn’t know I scored right away because it happened so fast,” said Pittman, who finished with five catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns. His excitement was palpable as he recounted Rizk’s impressive play. “Dylan made a great play, making the defender miss, and he put the ball in the air and gave all of us an opportunity. I was just the guy lucky enough to get my hands on the ball and come down with it.”
The Numbers Tell the Story
Rizk’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 294 yards and threw three touchdown passes, while also contributing 55 rushing yards on nine carries. His efficient play not only dazzled fans but also gave the Knights a much-needed spark on offense.
Harvey also had a record-setting day, moving into second place on UCF’s all-time rushing list with 3,416 career rushing yards, surpassing the previous record held by Alex Haynes. He tied Latavius Murray for third all-time with 37 career rushing touchdowns, highlighting the incredible talent within this UCF squad.
Looking Ahead
With this win under their belt, UCF is gearing up for the next challenge: a road game against Arizona State, followed by a bye week and another contest at West Virginia. The Knights will wrap up their season with a highly anticipated home game against Utah on Black Friday. With renewed confidence from Rizk’s performance and the team’s collective effort, fans are eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
In the world of college football, unpredictability is part of the game. But if this past weekend taught us anything, it’s that sometimes, it takes a few tries before the right person gets their chance to shine. Dylan Rizk’s debut was a testament to perseverance, preparation, and the power of teamwork. As the Knights continue their journey, they’re proving that with determination, they can reach for the stars—one game at a time.
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