Go UCF

[SMU89]

Just for tonight....

Friday, Nov 5
UCF at Houston
7:00 PM CT
TV: ESPN2

[One Trick Pony]

Once a Knight always a Knight. ( smirk )

[Harry0569]

Game of the Week

UCF (6-2) at Houston (5-3) Nov. 5, 8:00 ET

Here’s The Deal … East meets West in a showcase game for Conference USA that could wind up being a dress rehearsal for next month’s league championship game. UCF seized control of the East Division with last week’s 49-35 rout of East Carolina, and is the last remaining program without a conference. The Knights have been on fire since losing at Kansas State on Sept. 25, winning the last four by an average of 24 points. If they remain hot, a spot in the Top 25 won’t be too far off. Houston is setting the pace in the West Division, courtesy of its recent blowout of SMU and Memphis. The Cougars have regrouped nicely since losing QB Case Keenum to a season-ending knee injury, and are back home for the first time since Oct. 9. After hitting rock bottom with a deflating 1-3 stretch, they have a chance to come full circle in front of a national TV audience.
Why UCF Might Win: Everything has come together for the Knights, whose only two losses to NC State and Kansas State have been by 11 points combined. Better known for a D that leads the league in pass defense, scoring defense, total defense, and sacks, UCF has really hit the tarmac because of the offense. It’s scored at least 35 points in each of the last four games, rallying around the multi-dimensional talents of rookie QB Jeff Godfrey. His speed and elusiveness have opened up the rest of the field for RB Ronnie Weaver, who’s erupted for at least 130 yards in three of the last five games. Among the nation’s best teams on third downs, it’ll keep the Houston defense on the field far longer than it can afford.
Why Houston Might Win: In the battle of true freshmen quarterbacks, the Cougars harbor a darn good one as well. David Piland has come into his own since being thrust into the lineup, throwing for 11 touchdowns and more than 1,100 yards over the last four games. As good as the UCF defense is, it struggled with pass-happy East Carolina a week ago, allowing three touchdowns and 310 yards to Dominique Davis. Piland has no shortage of playmaking targets, including James Cleveland, Patrick Edwards, and Tyron Carrier. And Houston will prevent the Knights from sitting back to defend the pass, running Michael Hayes, who’s gone for 209 yards and three scores in the last two games.
What To Watch Out For: While both passers were in high school last year, only Piland will have to contend with a grown-up defense. UCF poses the biggest problems since he became the starter, playing very fast and swarm tackling. Against the Knights, windows close quickly and yards after contact are minimal. If he passes this test, there’s less of an urgency in Houston for Keenum to be granted an additional year of eligibility by the NCAA.
What Will Happen: In key games, it’s the team with the better defense and running game that typically comes out on top. Advantage, UCF. At some point, Houston will need to make a big stop to beat an elite Conference USA opponent. The Knights have the edge in team speed on both sides of the ball, and will harass Piland into the kinds of mistakes that tip the outcome in the favor of the visitors.
CFN Prediction: UCF 34 … Houston 26 … Line: UCF -2.5

[Harry0569]

I am shocked UCF is only favored by 2.5 (now 2 on Sportsbook.com). I definitely put some cashola down that they would cover.

[ALEX LIFESON]

GOOOOOO UCF!!! BEAT COUGAR HIGH!!!

[Bergermeister]

Once a Knight always a Knight. ( smirk )

Once a king, always a king - but once a knight is enough. TWSS.

[mrydel]

Once a Knight always a Knight. ( smirk )

Hello OTP. It is good to see you again!

[BIGHORSE]

Kill the coogs and then we will kill the miners!

[BUS]

Twice a knight if you are a good knight

[mrydel]

Or just good night on a bad night.

[Tailgate#33]

Go UCF!

[Peruna_Ate_My_Rolex]

Or it could be a silent night for a holy knight.

[ponydawg]

best knight ever

[Harry0569]

I disagree, the Knights who say NI are the best because they love...SHRUBBERIES

stupid image won't work. Nonetheless, go UCF

[White Helmet]