Colorado Buffaloes vs
Central Florida Golden KnightsPredictions & Preview

UCF Knights set to take on Colorado Buffaloes in highly anticipated Big 12 showdown

The UCF Knights will face off against the Colorado Buffaloes in a highly anticipated Big 12 showdown at home on Saturday, September 28, 2024. The Buffaloes come into the game with momentum from a thrilling win over Baylor, while the Knights are looking to continue their successful start to the season. With both teams aiming for a crucial victory, fans can watch the action live on Fox or Fubo for an afternoon of intense college football excitement. Central Florida is currently favored by -15, making them the betting favorite in this matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Buffaloes +460 | Golden Knights -625
• Spread: Buffaloes +15 (-110) | Golden Knights -15 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 63 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Central Florida will win straight-up is 86%.

Colorado vs Central Florida Stats

Colorado Buffaloes

In a thrilling Big 12 opener, Colorado's Shedeur Sanders led the Buffaloes to a 38-31 victory over Baylor with a last-minute Hail Mary touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester. Despite trailing early in the game, Colorado mounted a comeback with key plays from Sanders and Micah Welch. The Buffs sealed the win in overtime with a touchdown run by Welch and a crucial defensive play by Travis Hunter. This game is being hailed as a classic in Colorado football history. The Buffs (3-1 overall, 1-0 Big 12) are preparing to face UCF on the road, ahead of schedule due to Hurricane Helene. Coach Prime anticipates a tough matchup against UCF's strong running game and veteran presence. The Buffs are focusing on improving defensively, with the return of defensive tackle Chidozie Nwankwo. Offensively, they are working on solidifying their offensive line after giving up eight sacks in their previous game. Despite their potential in the run game, Coach Prime stresses the importance of avoiding falling behind early in games. Colorado is ranked 101 in offense, #65 in defense, and has a 3-1 record this season.

Central Florida Golden Knights Analysis

The UCF Knights staged an impressive comeback to defeat TCU 35-34 in their Big 12 Conference opener, overcoming a 21-point deficit. Quarterback KJ Jefferson had a standout performance, throwing for 230 yards and three touchdowns, with receiver Hudson contributing six catches for 145 yards, including the game-winning score. Running back RJ Harvey added 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with linebacker Deshawn Pace leading defensively. Head coach Gus Malzahn has a strong record coming off bye weeks. The Knights received votes in the AFCA Top 25 Poll and AP Poll, and have excelled in third quarters this season. The team holds a power ranking of 41, ranking 13th in offense and 47th in defense, with a perfect 3-0 record. Against Central Florida, Colorado went 0-0 in their last three matchups. The only injury reported is tight end J. Davis with an Achilles injury.

UCF Knights Showcase Dominant Offense and Defense in Successful Season

The University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights are having a successful season, showcasing their strength on both offense and defense. They are currently averaging an impressive 45.7 points per game and generating 570.7 yards per game, placing them 14th and 3rd nationally, respectively. Despite facing some penalties totaling 125 yards, UCF remains a strong force on the field. Defensively, they allow just 17.0 points and 64.0 rushing yards per game, showing their dominance in that aspect. Although their passing defense could use improvement, their overall performance positions them as a formidable contender. With a history of successful spreads coverage, including in their three games this season and dating back to 2023, the Knights are favored in this Big 12 matchup against the struggling Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado has shown weaknesses both offensively and defensively, making them an easy target for UCF's strong lineup. This game is expected to highlight the Knights' prowess and secure another victory for them.

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