UCF (3-0) at Kansas State (2-1), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Line: Kansas State by 6 1/2, in line with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Sequence file: Kansas State leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
UCF will likely be making its Huge 12 debut when it heads to Invoice Snyder Household Stadium to play Kansas State, the reigning convention champion. The Knights are unbeaten after sandwiching a pair of straightforward non-conference wins round an 18-16 nailbiter in opposition to Boise State. The Wildcats are coming off a disheartening 30-27 loss at Missouri, the place they managed many of the sport earlier than the Tigers’ Harrison Mevis hit a 61-yard successful subject aim as time expired.
KEY MATCHUP
Kansas State QB Will Howard in opposition to the UCF protection. Howard was visibly slowed by the beating he took final week in opposition to Missouri, and it confirmed in his uneven efficiency. He had 270 yards and three touchdowns passing with an interception however was unable so as to add a lot within the quarterback run sport. Howard is questionable to play in opposition to the Knights, and freshman Avery Johnson could be subsequent in line to face a UCF protection that has but to permit greater than 16 factors in a sport.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCF: McClain is anticipated to begin after John Rhys Plumlee harm his proper knee within the closing minutes of the win over Boise State. Knights coach Gus Malzahn stated Monday that Plumlee might miss a number of weeks, and which means McClain will lead them into their Huge 12 debut. The South Florida switch led the Bulls in passing in 2021 earlier than redshirting final season.
Kansas State: Johnson might take the highlight if Howard is unable to play. He has been used primarily as a operating risk, however the four-star prospect and one of many nation’s finest dual-threat quarterback recruits has an enormous arm, too.
FACTS & FIGURES
UCF is starting play in its fourth convention since transferring to the FBS stage. The Knights have performed within the MAC, Convention USA and American Athletic earlier than becoming a member of the Huge 12. … UCF leads the nation in whole offense at 617.7 yards per sport. That features 723 in opposition to Kent State to open the season, essentially the most by any staff this season. … The Knights are second nationally in rush offense at 299.3 yards per sport. … UCF final began 4-0 in 2018. … Malzahn wants two wins to succeed in 100 for his profession. … Wildcats LB Daniel Inexperienced has been misplaced for the season after hurting his shoulder in opposition to Missouri. RB Treshaun Ward is unlikely to play after additionally getting harm in opposition to the Tigers. … The Wildcats rank third nationally in run protection, permitting 50 yards per sport. … Kansas State has 133 wins in Huge 12 play, trailing solely Oklahoma and Texas, who’re leaving the convention after this season.
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AP faculty soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
