UCF vs. USF Prediction, Game Preview
UCF vs. USF prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the War on I-4 between the Knights and Bulls.
UCF vs. USF prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the War on I-4 between the Knights and Bulls.
UCF vs. USF Game Preview
When: Saturday, November 26 – 12:00 p.m. ET
Where: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
TV Broadcast: CBSSN
Scott Frost has, in one season, taken UCF from a zero-win campaign to a bowl game, as the Knights wrapped up a bid two weeks ago. That was of no help in a 35-20 loss to Tulsa this past Saturday. The running game could get nothing going, gaining just 88 yards on the ground.
USF and quarterback Quinton Flowers continued their magical season with a 35-27 win over SMU to move the Bulls record to 9-2. Flowers accounted for 337 yards of total offense while throwing for three touchdowns in the win.
What To Know About UCF
Quarterback McKenzie Milton has been decent this season, throwing for 1,583 yards and nine touchdowns but will need to do more against an USF defense that is 120th in the nation in total defense, allowing 489.4 yards per game. Getting the running game going would be helpful, as the Knight average just 159.91 yards per game on the ground.
Stopping Flowers is the top priority for the Knights defense, but that may be impossible. The UCF defense can be stingy, though, as they are giving up just 370.6 yards per game.
What to Know About USF
I repeat this every week, but it is worth it: Flowers is one of the most exciting players in college football. He has accounted for 3,672 yards of total offense and 35 total touchdowns this season. Running back Marlon Mack hasn’t been so bad, either, rushing for 982 yards and 13 touchdowns himself.
The Bulls must learn how to stop someone, though, as they give up 31.0 points per game. Putting pressure on McKenzie to beat them with his arm will be important to success against the Knights.
Advantages
Offense: USF. Flowers is must-watch television for all college football fans.
Defense: Tie. These two defenses won’t remind you of Alabama’s unit in any way.
Special Teams: UCF. Bulls starting kicker Emilio Nadelman has been out the past two games.
Coaching: Tie. Both of these coaches have made their programs relevant again.
Intangibles: USF. With a win and Temple loss, the Bulls would play in the AAC Championship game.
Matchup To Watch
Quinton Flowers vs. UCF defense
Totally shutting him down is not something the Knights will be able to do, but controlling his big runs is imperative to success.
UCF vs. USF Betting Odds
Spread: USF -10
Over/Under: 66.5
UCF vs. USF Prediction
Sorry, UConn head coach Bob Diaco, but this is the game where UCF should have a rivalry trophy, not the one you made up. The “War On I-4” will be a hard-fought battle, but the game belongs to Quinton Flowers, who has been fantastic all season. Flowers will prove once again why he belongs in the Heisman Trophy talk going into next season with a big game with his arm and legs, and the Bulls run their record to 10-2.
UCF vs. USF Score Prediction: USF 38, UCF 28
