Houston vs. UCF Prediction, Game Preview

The winless UCF Knights (0-7) host the unbeaten Houston Cougars (6-0) in one of the biggest mismatches of Week 8. Check out the Houston vs. UCF prediction and game preview.

Houston vs. UCF Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 24
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Network: ESPNEWS

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Why You Need To Care

in one of the more lopsided pairings of the weekend, undefeated Houston travels to Orlando to face winless UCF. The 21st-ranked Cougars rolled through their first-half schedule in coach Tom Herman’s debut, with the biggest win coming at Louisville in Week 2. Meanwhile, the Knights are already out of the bowl race with five games remaining in a disastrous season that’s included one-point losses to Florida International and Furman.

Why Houston Will Win

No one is stopping the Cougars these days, certainly not a dilapidated UCF roster that’s been impacted by injuries and the succession of losses. QB Greg Ward Jr. is flourishing under Herman, piloting an attack averaging more than 45 points per game. The Knights, conversely, have scored more than 16 points in just one of seven games.

Why UCF Will Win

The Knights may not be fit for the FBS this season, but they have not quit on head coach George O’Leary. Just last week in Philadelphia, UCF was leading undefeated Temple at the beginning of the final quarter. The defense was unusually active, getting seven tackles for loss, three fumble recoveries and a pick-six from CB Shaquill Griffin.

Player Who Matters

Although it’s not getting much attention, the Houston defense is playing very well, cranking up the pressure and allowing less than three yards a carry. Not only is it tough to throw on the active Cougar defensive backs, but linebackers Elandon Roberts and Steven Taylor have been relentless in their pursuit of the ball. And they’ll present a major problem for a porous UCF O-line.

What’s Going To Happen?

UCF competed at Temple, so you never know, especially if Houston gets caught looking ahead. A far more likely scenario has the Cougars thoroughly outclassing UCF with speed on both sides of the ball. Ward will remain hot, while the Houston D harasses Knight QB Justin Holman.