The UCF Knights suffered a tough heartbreak, dropping a tight 30-27 decision to the Houston Cougars. This loss was especially painful for the home crowd because it broke the program's perfect 8-0 undefeated streak in their traditional, annual "Space Game". The Knights actually started on the right foot, using a short field goal to secure a small 3-3 tie at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter turned into an absolute rollercoaster as both offenses exploded down the field. UCF found the end zone multiple times, highlighted by defensive back Phillip Dunnam picking off a Houston pass and taking it back 43 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Knights racked up 21 points in the quarter, but Houston kept pace by dropping 17 of their own, allowing UCF to carry a 24-20 advantage into the halftime break. The third quarter slowed down considerably, with both teams only trading field goals to move the score to 27-27.

The fourth quarter was a defensive battle where every yard mattered. Houston broke the tie by driving downfield and nailing a short field goal with two and a half minutes left on the clock. Refusing to quit, UCF inserted backup quarterback Davi Belfort for a final desperation drive. Belfort used his legs to scramble the Knights into striking distance, but the comeback bid fell short when Houston intercepted a final pass in the end zone with just 11 seconds remaining to seal the 30-27 outcome.