BYU downs UCF 24-17

There was also the Cattoi miss from 35 yards early in the fourth quarter, as demons of Knights' field goal troubles in the past resurfaced at an inopportune time.

Despite the miss, the defense was able to stop the Cougars on their next drive, forcing BYU to punt. That's when returner J.J. Worton, brought in to correct UCF's return issues it had been having with Josh Robinson, decided to try to field the punt off a high bounce. Instead, the ball bounced off Worton's helmet and ended up in the hands of Cougar Michael Alisa.

Alisa took the muffed punt into the end zone, but since rules state you cannot advance a muffed punt, the ball was whistled dead where it was recovered. Still, BYU had no trouble scoring on its ensuing drive – a touchdown that would end up being a game-winner for the Cougars.

Final word

There might not be a much better time for a bye week.

The Knights didn't drop consecutive games at all last season but now find themselves at a crossroads.

UCF will have two weeks to dwell on its mistakes and go about correcting them before opening Conference USA play at home against the Marshall Thundering Herd. The outcome of that contest will determine whether the Knights embark on an unexpected three-game skid or regain some confidence with a win.

Until then, though, this team will be staring down some hard questions and looking for answers.

"We didn't make plays and in the second half we had some bad decisions," O'Leary said. "But we have to move on and it's a long season for a reason."