Will Alonza Barnett III Break UCF's 300-Yard Passing Streak?
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Throughout the offseason, head coach Scott Frost and his staff have gushed about James Madison transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who should bring stability and winning pedigree to UCF's offense.
The QB position in Orlando has been a revolving door over the past few seasons, as players like KJ Jefferson and Tayven Jackson showed flashes, but ultimately struggled in conference play.
On Wednesday, College Football Home posted a surprising graphic via X, where UCF was shown as the Power 4 program boasting the second-longest streak without a 300-yard passer.
The Knights QBs have failed to produce a 300-yard game for 33 contests, trailing only Iowa, who has a shocking 78-game streak.
To find UCF's last game producing a 300-yard passer, you would have to go back to Week 3 of the 2023 season, when backup QB Timmy McClain lit up Villanova for 321 yards and two passing touchdowns.
Starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered a late-game injury the week prior, giving McClain the opportunity to shine against a shabby Wildcats defense.
Star wide receiver Kobe Hudson notched 147 yards, while former fourth-round pick Javon Baker added 77 to help UCF to a 48-14 victory.
Since that time, the Knights have not had a dynamic passing game, with Jackson's struggles on the road emphasizing the most-recent lack of production.
Going into this season, Barnett will have the opportunity to break this streak, as he brings multiple 300+ yard games to Orlando.
Barnett's most recent applicable game came last season against Appalachian State, as he led the Dukes to a dominant 58-10 win.
His 303 passing yards helped James Madison move the ball up the field effectively, with his legs scoring his only two touchdowns of the game.
Barnett was very close to 300 yards on multiple occasions as well, recording 290+ yards in consecutive games against Louisiana and Old Dominion.
Against the Monarchs, Barnett had his most-dynamic game of the season, throwing for 295 yards and adding 153 yards on the ground.
Barnett's six total scores were his most of the season, while the Dukes exploded for 63 points as a team.
These offensive showings and dominant victories helped build the case for James Madison to earn a College Football Playoff bid, where Barnett came very close to that 300-yard mark against a stellar Oregon defensive unit.
The Dukes scored 34 points as a team, with Barnett accounting for three total touchdowns, 273 yards passing and 45 yards rushing.
Having Barnett at the helm gives the Knights their most dynamic passer in years, with a dual-threat player that fits head coach Scott Frost's offensive scheme.
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