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Date: Saturday, Sept. 26

Game time: 3:30 p.m.

Where: Orlando, Fla.; Acrisure Bounce House

Streaming/Radio: FS1/96.9 The Game

Vitals: The UCF Knights (2-1) will host the TCU Horned Frogs (2-1) for their Big 12 home opener, and second head-to-head matchup since joining the conference in 2023. UCF won 35-34 on Sept. 14, 2024, at Amon G. Carter Stadium, led by three touchdowns from quarterback KJ Jefferson and two from wide receiver Kobe Hudson and current Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey. The program has lost all of its home openers and is aiming to win its first.

Betting odds, courtesy of USA TODAY

Spread: UCF +3, TCU -3

Moneyline: UCF +135, TCU -160

Total points: Over/Under 48.5 points

DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER

KEY UCF PLAYERS:

QB Keyone Jenkins: 128 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception; 9 carries, 23 yards and 2 touchdowns

WR Waden Charles: 7 receptions and 87 yards (12.4 yards per catch) and 2 touchdowns

RB Duke Watson: 27 carries, 297 yards (11 yards per carry) and 3 touchdowns

LB Tackett Curtis: 23 tackles (8 solo, 15 assisted), 1 sack and 1 interception

DB Demari Henderson: 14 tackles (9 solo, 5 assisted), 2 interceptions and 1 pass defended

QUOTEABLE: “They [TCU] do a lot of things," coach Scott Frost said during Monday's media availability. "They do a good job of hiding where they're going to be. So, it's really hard to pin them down and dial them in.

Knights Dealing With Injuries, Another Strong Run Defense

UCF star linebacker Lewis Carter and offensive lineman Owen Spell will miss Saturday's game.

These injuries come at a crucial stretch, as the team has notoriously struggled in conference play. The Knights have posted a 7-20 record since 2023, which is a contributing factor to their two-year bowl drought.

Losing Carter, who is the defense's leader, is a huge blow, but the depth is enough to cover his absence. Curtis will step into his role, while Jayden Jennings or Jahleel Culbreath are starting options next to him.

UCF's offensive line takes a hit without Spell, who is starting at right guard this season. He is a key part of a successful run game, led by Watson, who has recorded two 60-yard runs in Weeks 1 and 3.

TCU has a strong run defense, limiting opponents to 79.3 yards per game, which is fifth-best in the conference.

The Horned Frogs neutralizing the Knights' run puts more pressure on offensive coordinator Steve Cooper to have a more balanced attack and on the wide receiver corps to be more involved.

UCF has a revamped receiving corps, one capable of making backbreaking plays in the deep passing game.

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