Caden Piening delivered a game-winning performance with three seconds remaining on the clock, securing a 33-32 victory for UCF over Kansas on Saturday. The Knights executed a crucial 10-play, 73-yard drive in under one minute, culminating in a 6-yard reception by Piening at the left pylon. Following a replay review, the touchdown call was upheld, officially ending UCF’s 12-game road losing streak and providing a massive morale boost for the program.
Caden Piening’s 6-yard catch with three seconds left caps a dramatic comeback for the Knights.
The game featured a dramatic swing in momentum, as UCF built a 19-point lead early in the third quarter before Kansas mounted a relentless comeback. The Jayhawks scored 25 unanswered points to take the lead at the 1:06 mark, powered by a 30-yard run from quarterback Isaiah Marshall and a 2-yard score by Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman. Kansas also capitalized on an early interception to establish an initial lead, showcasing their ability to capitalize on turnovers despite their overall struggles.
Despite the final score, the contest highlighted the resilience of the UCF offense, which overcame a shaky start to force the decisive final drive. Alonza Barnett III connected with Piening for the winning score, capping a performance that saw the Knights (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) navigate a high-pressure environment. For Kansas (3-6, 1-5 Big 12), the loss underscores the difficulty of sustaining leads in the Big 12, while UCF gains critical confidence heading into the remainder of the season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
