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UCF WR Tyren Hornes Breaks Out in Upset Win Over No. 2 BYU
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- UCF WR Tyren Hornes Breaks Out in Upset Win Over No. 2 BYU
(Mike Watters/Imagn Images)
Tyren Hornes stepped up when the UCF Knights needed him most in their historic upset against the then-No. 2 BYU Cougars last Saturday.
Hornes finished with a career-best 137 yards on six catches, quadrupling his previous best of 34 yards against the then-No. 20 Houston Cougars on Oct. 3.
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He didn't catch a touchdown from quarterback Keyone Jenkins, but their connection converted crucial long downs. Jenkins connected with Hornes for an 18-yard completion on second-and-16 in the second quarter.
The play put UCF on BYU's 10-yard line and ended with a 20-yard field goal from placekicker Will Stone to go up 10-7.
Hornes caught a 30-yard pass in the final drive before halftime. Running back Landen Chambers caught a 6-yard touchdown pass to send the Knights into halftime up 17-14.
Coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper called a designed wide receiver screen on third-and-18 in the third quarter for the freshman. He broke several tackles and sprinted down the sideline for 56 yards, placing the team in scoring position again.
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Jenkins punched in a 1-yard touchdown to give UCF a 24-21 lead before BYU tied the game.
He made a clutch play in double overtime after the quarterback threw his third touchdown. Hornes dove into the end zone to catch the two-point conversion to upset the Cougars.
His teammates, Jenkins and wide receiver Josh Derry, praised him during their post-game press conferences.
Derry complimented the 6-foot receiver's readiness under the bright lights. He proved himself a reliable target against some of the Big 12's best defenses, but this breakout was special.
Jenkins said Hornes will be a great help for the program, and he hopes they keep him.
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UCF landed the former four-star recruit in January, when he announced his commitment at the Under Armour All-American Game. Rivals listed him as the No. 14 recruit in Florida and No. 19 wide receiver in the class.
He's the second four-star wide receiver prospect to join the Knights, following sophomore Waden Charles.
ESPN tabbed Hornes as an instant-impact freshman , and its assessment has been proven right in seven games. His rise into the rotation is impressive and offers a glimpse into what UCF's offense will look like around him and Charles.
Hornes will play in another primetime game on Friday against the Baylor Bears for the 10th annual Space Game. The matchup is recognized as one of the best weekday games in Week 9.
