---

UCF vs. Tulane prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins the matchup between the Knights and Green Wave.

---

Update (10/5): Due to Hurricane Matthew, this game has been postponed until Saturday, November 5. Both teams had a bye week on the date, and tickets for the October 7 date will be honored for the new scheduled time.

UCF vs. Tulane Game Preview

When: Friday, October 7 – 8:00 p.m. ET
Where: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL
TV Broadcast: ESPNU

After going 0-12 last season, UCF is a surprising 3-2 in Scott Frost’s first season as head coach. The Knights went into Greenville, North Carolina last week and defeated ECU in an environment that can be tough for opposing teams. UCF used a mixture of running backs to rush for 217 yards and four touchdowns in the win.

Tulane is coming off a big, 31-24 win at UMass last Saturday, as they went on a 24-0 run to cap off the comeback victory. The ground game was solid as usual, rushing for 280 yards and three touchdowns as the Green Wave moved their record to 3-2.

What To Know About UCF

Which quarterback will take the field for the first series? Last week it was Justin Holman, who played the entire game in place of McKenzie Milton. You may see Milton again though, as Holman struggled, completing only 11-of-29 pass attempts and throwing two interceptions.

The defense has been a highlight for the Knights, giving up only 350 yards per game while holding teams to 24.8 points per game. This is a vast improvement over last season, when UCF was near the bottom in scoring defense, allowing 37.7 points per game.

What to Know About Tulane

Every week I write the same thing about the Green Wave and every week it stays true: they are going to run the ball and run the ball some more. Quarterback Glen Cuiellette did throw for 168 yards and a touchdown while completing more than half of passes against UMass, but Tulane will beat you with the ground game.

The ball possession has helped out the defense as well, with Tulane coming in at No. 17 in the country by allowing just 309 total yards. Linebacker Nico Marley leads the Green Wave defense with 38 total tackles, including six for a loss.

Advantages

Offense: Tulane. They know what they want to do – run the ball – and execute well.

Defense: Tie. Both units are greedy when it comes to giving up points.

Special Teams: Tie. Both kickers are automatic on extra points and have done well when attempting long field goals.

Coaching: UCF. This is just the beginning of Scott Frost making a name for himself.

Intangibles: UCF. The Knights have the momentum after a big win against ECU and playing at home.

Matchup To Watch

Tulane running game vs. UCF defense

The Knights must keep the Green Wave from continually pounding the ball for first downs, as it will be a long night on the field if they can’t.

UCF vs. Tulane Betting Odds

Spread: UCF -13.5
Over/Under: 48

Memphis vs. Temple Prediction

Who saw three wins coming in the first five games for the Knights? Probably only the players and coaches. They are playing with confidence, though, and if they can decide on a quarterback, are capable of being in the upper part of the AAC standings. This Tulane offense won’t back down though, as it will try to tire the UCF defense out. In the end, Scott Frost brings another victory in an already successful debut season.

UCF vs. Tulane Score Prediction: UCF 30, Tulane 21

MORE: 1-128 College Football Rankings – Week 6