UCF nearly gave up a 11-point fourth quarter lead and caused a game-winning fumble on the Houston Cougars final offensive drive, coming away with a 17-12 victory on Thursday night.

The Knights’ caused the Greg Ward Jr. fumble with 24 second remaining in the game as the quarterback was diving for the end zone for the go-ahead touchdown. Brandon Alexander caused the fumble, saving the game for the Knights, which went out through the end zone for a touchback.

UCF lead for most of the final three quarters after Houston ended the opening quarter with a 3-0 lead, but field goals alone wouldn’t be enough for the upset.

The Knight’s took advantage of turnovers, scoring their first touchdown after Clayton Geathers intercepted John O’Korn in Houston’s side of the field. UCF won the turnover battle 3-1, including that big turnover to end the game.

Houston’s 12 points all came on field goals from kicker Kyle Bullard, as the Cougars flipped quarterbacks between Ward Jr. and O’Korn most of the game.

Justin Holman went 6-18 for 101 yards and two touchdowns, while a running back tandem of William Stanback and Dontravious Wilson rushed for 80 yards between the two of them. The Knights as a team rushed for 127 yards.

The win brings UCF’s record to 2-2 for the season, but more importantly for the Knight’s it puts them at 1-0 in American Athletic Conference play.

The Knights’ will now return home for a Thursday night matchup against a ranked BYU Cougars that is currently undefeated and looking for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Bright House Networks Stadium with the game being televised on ESPN.