Central Florida Knights vs Sam Houston State Bearkats Picks and Predictions September 7th 2024

UCF Looks to Sharpen QB Play in Nonconference Showdown with Sam Houston

UCF aims to see more from their new quarterback, KJ Jefferson, as they prepare to host Sam Houston this Saturday night in Orlando. Fresh off a massive 57-3 win over New Hampshire, the Knights are confident Jefferson, who transferred from Arkansas, will find his rhythm as he gets more comfortable with UCF’s offense.

KJ Jefferson’s First Game: Room for Improvement

Jefferson’s debut for UCF had its highs and lows. He completed 7 of 14 passes for 164 yards, with two touchdowns and one interception. It wasn’t a flashy performance, but it showed potential. Head coach Gus Malzahn made it clear this was just the beginning for the veteran quarterback, and he’s confident Jefferson will get better as the season progresses.

Even with a relatively quiet start from Jefferson, UCF’s offense didn’t slow down. In fact, they racked up an eye-popping 639 yards in total offense during their season opener, with the majority of it coming from a powerful ground game.

UCF’s Rushing Game Steals the Show

UCF’s rushing attack was nothing short of dominant in their blowout win. The Knights piled up an incredible 454 rushing yards, with running back RJ Harvey leading the charge. Harvey’s explosive performance—142 yards on just 11 carries, averaging nearly 13 yards per run—showed just how dangerous UCF’s ground game can be.

With so much depth in the backfield, UCF can rotate running backs throughout the game without missing a beat. That ability to keep players fresh and ready to break off big runs makes the Knights a serious threat to opposing defenses all season.

Sam Houston’s Grit and Momentum After a Big Win

Sam Houston, on the other hand, comes into this game riding high after a 34-14 road win against Rice. Last season wasn’t kind to the Bearkats, as they finished 3-9, but they were in a lot of close games, with five losses coming by just one touchdown or less.

Head coach K.C. Keeler is hopeful this year’s season opener signals a fresh start. He pointed to his team’s grit and adaptability as key factors in the win over Rice—traits that will be crucial as they go up against a well-rounded UCF squad.

Hunter Watson Leading Sam Houston’s Offense

Sam Houston’s offense will be led by transfer quarterback Hunter Watson, who joined the team from Iowa Western Community College. In his first game, Watson threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns, helping lead the Bearkats to a solid win. His ability to keep connecting with receivers will be key as Sam Houston takes on a UCF defense that won’t make it easy.

Key Matchup: UCF’s Ground Game vs. Sam Houston’s Defense

Saturday’s game could hinge on how well Sam Houston can slow down UCF’s rushing attack. While Jefferson’s passing potential is still there, it’s clear that the Knights’ true strength is in their running game. UCF averaged an impressive 8.4 yards per carry in their opener, and maintaining that level of production will be crucial.

For Sam Houston, the strategy will likely involve limiting those big plays on the ground and forcing UCF to lean more on Jefferson’s arm. If Watson can build on his strong debut and keep the Bearkats competitive, it could turn into a closer game than expected.

Outlook: UCF Gearing Up for More Success

With UCF favored to win, their powerful rushing game and the potential for growth in Jefferson’s quarterback play give them a solid chance to extend their winning streak. The big question will be how quickly Jefferson finds his groove as the starting QB, and if UCF’s defense can keep playing at a high level.

Sam Houston, however, won’t go down without a fight. Their gritty mentality and Watson’s strong arm give them a fighting chance, especially if they can disrupt UCF’s offensive rhythm and make the most of key opportunities.

Prediction: UCF’s Offense Likely to Be Too Much

Given UCF’s depth at running back and overall firepower on offense, they’ve got the upper hand in this matchup. That said, Sam Houston’s resilience and their win over Rice show they’re no pushovers. While UCF should control the game with their ground attack, don’t be surprised if Sam Houston keeps it closer than expected—especially if Watson can build on his strong first performance.

Join Scores and Stats for exclusive expert picks and real-time updates!