WACO, Texas (AP) — Sawyer Robertson threw for three touchdowns, true freshman Caden Knighten rushed for a career-high 104 yards, and Baylor got back in the win column with a 30-3 victory over UCF on Saturday.
Baylor (5-4, 3-3 Big 12) scored points on four of its first five drives, including a pair of touchdown passes from Robertson to former USC and Ole Miss tight end Michael Trigg and wide receiver Josh Cameron. The Bears built a 20-3 lead by halftime, and Connor Hawkins drilled his third field goal late in the third quarter to extend the lead. Hawkins made kicks from 41, 40, and 28 yards out.
Robertson completed 29 of 40 passes for 267 yards but suffered his first fumble of the season on a strip sack late in the first half. He has 2,780 yards and 26 touchdown passes overall, both marks ranking near the top of the FBS.
UCF (4-4, 1-4) scored its only points as time expired in the first half. The Knights were set up with a short field following Robertson’s fumble, and Noe Ruelas drilled a 45-yard field goal. UCF’s other drives ended in four punts, three turnovers on downs, a missed field goal, and two interceptions—one of which set up Baylor’s only touchdown of the second half.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson was 18-of-33 passing for 151 yards with two interceptions for UCF. Duane Thomas Jr. rushed eight times for 77 yards.
**The takeaway**
**UCF:** A week after overwhelming West Virginia with 45 points, the Knights struggled to generate offense against a Baylor defense that has given up over 430 yards per game in conference play. UCF finished with just 225 yards of offense despite averaging 442 in league play entering Saturday. The Knights must win two of their final four games to secure bowl eligibility.
**Baylor:** Coach Dave Aranda and the Bears secured a much-needed win following a two-game skid. Baylor is now one win away from bowl eligibility, and Aranda improves to 36-34 in his sixth season leading the program.
**Quick start**
Slow starts have long plagued the Aranda-led Bears, but two first-quarter touchdowns energized their sideline. UCF had allowed just seven points in the first quarter all season— the third fewest amount in the nation behind only Ohio State and Texas Tech.
**In the history books**
With his five-catch, 82-yard, and one touchdown performance, Michael Trigg now holds Baylor’s single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end with 607. He is tied for first in single-season touchdowns with six and tied in single-season receptions with 43.
**Up next**
– UCF: No. 22 Houston at home Friday
– Baylor: Off next week, then hosts Utah on Nov. 15
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https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/11/sawyer-robertson-throws-for-3-tds-caden-knighten-rushes-for-104-yards-and-baylor-beats-ucf-30-3/