UCF (4-3) at Baylor (4-4), Saturday, Noon, ESPNU
Latest line: Baylor is favored by 3 1/2 points
Matt Murschel, UCF Knights writer: UCF 28, Baylor 24
UCF is coming off an open week after putting up a season-high 578 yards of offense in a 45-13 victory over West Virginia on Oct. 18. The Knights started strong, jumping out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and went on to secure their largest win against a Big 12 opponent since defeating Arizona, 56-12, last season. Quarterback Tayven Jackson threw two touchdown passes and running back Jaden Nixon rushed for two touchdowns, including an 83-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. The Knights are hoping to snap a six-game road losing streak as they make their first-ever visit to Waco to face Baylor. The Bears have lost two consecutive games and are looking to avoid back-to-back seasons with three-game losing streaks.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: UCF 31, Baylor 24
UCF will beat Baylor because the Bears’ defense has been running on fumes all season long. Sure, Baylor has been throwing for a ton of yards this season, but against a UCF team that just had a bye week to fix its mistakes and boasts the No. 6 pass defense in the country, those yards will dry up faster than a summertime creek bed in Waco. The turnover-prone Bears (-9 turnover margin, ranked 130th in the FBS) will hand UCF enough short fields for the Knights to pull off the upset on Baylor’s homecoming and ratchet up the heat underneath coach Dave Aranda’s hot seat.
Adam Lichtenstein, College Football writer: UCF 35, Baylor 32
Scott Frost may be licking his chops while preparing for this game. Baylor, 3 1/2-point favorites, has one of the worst defenses in the nation, ranking 120th nationally in points allowed per game. The Bears are 119th in the nation in run defense, surrendering 199.5 yards per game. The Knights, meanwhile, are 20th in the nation in rushing offense, averaging 208.1 yards. Baylor’s offense has been solid and may be able to keep pace with UCF, but the Knights should have the advantage.