KU Jayhawks football vs. UCF: Prediction, time, TV info for Saturday afternoon’s game
After a 40-14 loss to Texas last Saturday, the Kansas Jayhawks look to bounce back against UCF.
The Jayhawks (4-1, 1-1 Big 12) face UCF (3-2, 0-2) for the first time Saturday. The Knights are coming off a heartbreaking 36-35 loss to Baylor: UCF led the Bears 35-7 in the third quarter and 35-10 in the fourth.
UCF’s offense ranks No. 20 in the country in points per game: 37.6. A big reason why? A high-tempo offense.
“We just really need to be ready for their tempo,” KU defensive coordinator Brian Borland said. “When they are playing fast, clock is running ... they are really snapping the ball every 15 seconds. So you’ve got to be ready for that part or else they will be three scores up on us before we even know what’s going on.
“They do kind of surprise people early in the game with all kinds of things.”
Let’s break down this weekend’s matchup …
Game Details
Kickoff: 3 p.m. Saturday
Where: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence
TV: FOX
Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network; WHB (810 AM) in Kansas City
Betting line: UCF is a two-point favorite.
Prediction
After multiple reports that KU quarterback Jalon Daniels would miss Saturday’s matchup, the betting line shifted in UCF’s favor.
Meanwhile, Knights quarterback John Rhys Plumlee looks likely to return from a leg injury he suffered against Boise State in UCF’s second game of the season.
So there’s lots to consider here.
KU’s defense will have its hands full against a potent UCF offense that averages 545.8 yards per game, including 255.2 on the ground.
On the flip side, Kansas quarterback Jason Bean must improve from last week’s performance at Texas. KU needs to put him in position to succeed by using its running game to set up short and intermediate passes. If the Jayhawks can do that, Bean should play closer to the level he displayed last season.
I think KU wins this one, barely.
Prediction: Kansas 31, UCF 24
Shreyas’ pick to cover: Kansas (+2)
Shreyas’ record: 5-0
Shreyas’ record against the spread: 2-3
This story was originally published October 5, 2023 at 7:25 PM with the headline "KU Jayhawks football vs. UCF: Prediction, time, TV info for Saturday afternoon’s game."
