UCF QB Cam Fancher reflects on frustration, growth after loss at Cincinnati
CINCINNATI — Making his first start since the season opener, Cam Fancher accounted for 330 total yards, including 108 on the ground, but UCF’s offensive miscues and penalties again proved costly in a 20-11 loss to Cincinnati.
“It’s definitely frustrating,” Fancher said. “You have drives going, you’re moving the ball, and then it’s mistakes we make on our side — pre-snap penalties, false starts, little things that kill momentum. The positive is it’s not a talent thing. It’s stuff we can fix within ourselves and our operation. Once we clean that up, we’ll be on top of these games.”
The Knights ran 90 offensive plays, outgained Cincinnati 413 to 306 and held the ball for nearly 40 minutes, yet didn’t find the end zone until late in the fourth quarter. A 17-play drive in the third quarter ended without points as flags and missed assignments repeatedly stalled momentum.
“It’s self-inflicted wounds,” Fancher said. “Whether it’s a misassignment, a penalty, or lack of detail, that’s on us. That comes down to me, getting us in and out of the huddle and making sure communication is clear. When all 11 guys are doing their job, that’s when we finish drives.”
Finding rhythm again
Fancher’s return to the starting lineup came after a month-long stretch of waiting, recovering and preparing behind the scenes. He left UCF’s season opener against Jacksonville State after taking a hit to the back and had not started since.
“I just tried to control what I could control,” he said. “It’s not my decision to be the starter — it’s my job to be ready when my number is called. Whether I was banged up or not playing, I approached every week the same way — positive mindset, attack every day, be prepared.”
Fancher looked fully healthy, completing 28 of 49 passes for 222 yards while also leading the team in rushing. His 108-yard output was the highest by a UCF quarterback since Jacurri Brown’s 106-yard performance in Week 2 and marked his first 100-yard rushing game since his Marshall days in 2023.
“My mindset is simple — how can I make this play successful?” Fancher said. “If my first or second read isn’t there, I’ll extend the play, look downfield, or just take what’s there to get positive yards. Whatever helps the team be successful.”
Lessons from the loss
Cincinnati’s defense forced UCF to grind out long possessions, rarely giving up explosive plays. While Fancher praised the Bearcats’ physicality, he said the Knights’ biggest opponent continues to be themselves.
“They’re a gritty defense,” he said. “They keep everything in front, and they’re well-coached. But again, it’s about us limiting self-inflicted wounds. When we do that, we’ll finish those drives.”
Despite the loss, Fancher said UCF’s locker room remains upbeat and united.
“You don’t have to question the fight of this team,” he said. “From the first play to the last play, we’re going to fight. The energy in the locker room is still positive. The mindset is to go 1-0 every day. If we keep stacking days, that’ll lead to success on Saturday.”
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