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UCF's Quarterback Injury Changes Houston's Defensive Game Plan

As the twentieth-ranked Houston Cougars prepare to host the underdog UCF Knights, a key quarterback absence is forcing adjustments on both sides. Alonza Barnett III, who transferred after leading James Madison to a stellar campaign, suffered an early-season injury that thrust backup Keyone Jenkins into the starting role under coach Scott Frost.

Jenkins has shown mixed results through the air, but his limited mobility makes him less of a dual-threat option for the offense.

This personnel hurdle complicates matters for a UCF squad already carrying the conference's lowest passing output. Meanwhile, Houston boasts an elite run defense that surrenders very few yards on the ground, leaving the visitors with narrow paths to exploit opposing weaknesses.

The Cougars' secondary has shown vulnerability, yet the struggling Knights offense will need to overcome severe statistical hurdles to capitalize on Saturday.

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