Central Florida Knights vs Brigham Young Cougars Picks and Predictions October 26th 2024

BYU Faces Major Test Against UCF’s Top Big 12 Rushing Attack

No. 11 BYU (7-0, 4-0 Big 12) travels to Orlando this Saturday to take on UCF (3-4, 1-3) in a Big 12 showdown. With both teams hungry to make their mark, BYU is focusing on shoring up a run defense that stumbled last week against Oklahoma State, allowing a season-high 269 rushing yards and two explosive 50+ yard runs.

Head coach Kalani Sitake stressed the importance of refining the Cougars’ defensive strategy, noting that the breakdowns were due to missed assignments he believes are fixable. However, with UCF leading the Big 12 in rushing (280.3 yards per game), BYU will have its hands full against a UCF team eager to snap a four-game losing streak.

BYU’s Defensive Challenges

BYU’s defensive unit, generally adept at limiting big plays, found itself exposed against Oklahoma State, nearly costing them a close 38-35 win. For BYU to remain unbeaten, they’ll need to tighten up against UCF’s rush-heavy offense led by running back RJ Harvey, who has tallied an impressive 890 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Harvey’s efficiency—6.7 yards per carry—puts him among the nation’s best, and UCF has shown they can pile on the rushing yards, evident in their 354-yard performance against Iowa State last week.

Beyond stopping the run, BYU’s defense has thrived on turnovers this season, racking up 16 takeaways, including 10 interceptions spread across multiple players. This knack for disrupting plays has helped keep their opponents off balance, making BYU’s pass defense one of the most effective in the country. Ranking fourth nationally in pass efficiency defense, BYU will look to exploit a UCF passing offense that has stumbled in Big 12 play, averaging only 185.3 passing yards per game with eight turnovers in four games.

UCF’s Resilience Amidst Challenges

Although UCF has faced a tough stretch with four consecutive losses, they’re not to be underestimated. Their most recent game, a close 38-35 loss to Iowa State, saw the Knights nearly pull off a comeback victory, showcasing their potential to compete with top teams. UCF’s ground game, led by Harvey and supported by a solid offensive line, has been their consistent strength and remains the key to their game plan.

BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff, who’s leading an offense that’s built momentum over the season, showed respect for the Knights, calling UCF “the best 3-4 football team in the country.” Retzlaff emphasized the challenge they pose, citing their impressive talent and skill level despite their recent struggles.

Key Matchups to Watch

RJ Harvey and UCF’s Ground Game vs. BYU’s Run Defense
With Harvey among the best running backs in the Big 12, UCF’s rushing offense poses a serious challenge for BYU’s defense, which will need to stay disciplined and physical to limit big plays.

BYU’s Turnover-Heavy Defense vs. UCF’s Passing Struggles
While UCF’s run game is strong, their passing offense has been shaky in recent games. BYU’s secondary will look to capitalize on this, aiming to create turnovers and take advantage of any passing game mistakes.

Jake Retzlaff’s Steady Leadership
Retzlaff has shown consistency as BYU’s starting quarterback, demonstrating poise under pressure. His ability to manage the offense and avoid costly mistakes will be essential as BYU tries to maintain their unbeaten streak.

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Game Outlook

As BYU and UCF meet for the first time as Big 12 opponents, both teams will be seeking to make a statement. For BYU, this means proving they can handle one of the conference’s toughest rushing attacks, while UCF will be determined to break its losing streak and protect its home turf. Expect an intense battle, with each team looking to capitalize on the other’s weaknesses.