Why UCF football is sticking with Keyone Jenkins as starting QB vs. Baylor

ORLANDO — UCF football coach Scott Frost will ride the "hot hand" and keep Keyone Jenkins at quarterback for Friday's upcoming Big 12 battle against Baylor.

Frost declared Jenkins, a 6-foot, 200-pound senior, the starter with Alonza Barnett III (hamstring) still not fully healthy. Barnett, who started the Knights' first two games against Bethune-Cookman and Pittsburgh, was available in an emergency capacity this past weekend after being considered a game-time decision.

"I'm really pleased with Alonza's progress. I think he probably could play," Frost said. "I don't know if he's 100% yet.

"I think the reps have really helped Keyone. He played a pretty special game Saturday and made plays when we needed to make them. I thought the first play in overtime (a 25-yard touchdown pass to Josh Derry) was elite, him getting out there and finding Josh. He's just capitalized on his opportunity and used the reps that he's gotten in the game to keep playing better and better."

Jenkins improved to 3-2 as the Knights' starter with his best performance to date against BYU, the nation's No. 2 team.

He completed 25 of 41 attempts for 293 yards and three touchdowns, rushed for another score and, crucially, did not commit a turnover as UCF (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) picked up its first win against an AP top-five opponent in program history.

Following the win, Jenkins acknowledged he would likely return to the second-string role once Barnett is available. His week-over-week improvements, however, have given Frost and his staff confidence to leave him as the team's QB1.

"It's really up to the coaches, for real. They're going to do what they feel is best for the team," Jenkins said Saturday. "It's really out of my control. I'm going to control what I can control, continue to do what I do, keep my head down and work.

"I'm happy to have AB back; it's still his team. It's still his starting job. You don't lose your starting job due to injury. Whenever he gets healthy, he's going to be the starter until the coaches think otherwise."

For the year, Jenkins has completed nearly 68% of his throws for 1,099 yards, 11 touchdowns and three picks, adding four more touchdowns on the ground.

UCF hosts Baylor (4-3, 2-2) in its 10th annual Space Game, an occasion in which the Knights are 8-1 all-time. Baylor fired head coach Dave Aranda on Sunday following the team's second consecutive defeat, 25-24 on the road against Kansas.

Defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman will take over head coaching duties on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.