Cincinnati Bearcats (2-6) vs UCF Knights (3-5)
Game Info: Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 3:30 pm (Nippert Stadium)
Betting Odds: Cincinnati Bearcats +3.5 -- Over/Under: 59.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The UCF Knights will play the Cincinnati Bearcats in a Big 12 game on Saturday afternoon at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. Both of these teams come into this game with 0-5 conference records and will look for their first Big 12 win here.
UCF Preview
The UCF Knights are 3-5 (0-5) this season after they lost to West Virginia by a score of 41-28 in their last game. UCF trailed 17-14 at the half, but allowed 24 points in the second half for the loss. The Knights out gained West Virginia by a total of 463-450, but turned the ball over four times in the game. UCF has allowed 31+ points in all five conference games so far. The UCF offense is averaging 33.1 points per game with 268 passing yards per game and 227 rushing yards per game, while going 49.5% on third downs. John Rhys Plumlee has thrown for 1,108 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions for the Knights this season. RJ Harvey has rushed for 712 yards and six scores, while Javon Baker has caught 29 passes for 585 yards and five touchdowns. The UCF defense is giving up 29.9 points against per game this year.
Cincinnati Preview
The Cincinnati Bearcats are 2-6 (0-5) this year after they lost to Oklahoma State by a score of 45-13 last week. Cincinnati trailed 10-7 at halftime, but they were out scored 35-6 in the second half for the loss. The Bearcats were out gained by a total of 601-442 and both teams turned the ball over two times. Cincinnati has allowed 30+ points in five of their last six games. The Cincinnati offense is scoring 25.3 points per game with 221.9 passing yards per game and 222.6 rushing yards per game, while going 41.9% on third downs. Emory Jones has thrown for 1,601 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while adding 441 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Corey Kiner has rushed for 642 yards and two touchdowns, while Xzavier Henderson has caught 42 passes for 578 yards and three scores. The Cincinnati defense is allowing 28.4 points against per game this season.
Cincinnati Bearcats Team Facts
- Cincinnati has won each of its last 12 November home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Cincinnati has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games against conference opponents at Nippert Stadium.
- Cincinnati has lost the first half in each of its last four home games against conference opponents.
- Four of Cincinnati's last five home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
UCF Knights Team Facts
- UCF has lost each of its last three games as a favorite.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of UCF's last four games.
- Each of UCF's last five road games in November have gone OVER the total points line.
Pick
Both of these teams are winless in Big 12 play so far, but the good news is that one of these teams will get their first win here. UCF’s offense is averaging just under 500 yards per game, but their defense is allowing over 400 yards. Cincinnati’s defense is only slightly better in yards per game and points per game, so we could see a lot of scoring here. I think this game could go either way, especially with how poorly the defenses are, so I am going to take Cincinnati with the points in this matchup.
David’s Pick Cincinnati +3.5
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
