UCF Knights at Houston — TV info, betting odds, keys
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Where: TDECU Stadium, Houston
When: Saturday, Noon
TV: ESPN2
Weather: 81 degrees with a 90% chance of precipitation.
Latest line: Houston by 12.5 points
Coaches:Scott Frost is 27-15 at UCF, 43-46 overall; Willie Fritz is 17-12 at Houston, 88-66 overall.
Quick slant: This marks the 13th meeting between the two former American Athletic Conference rivals, with UCF leading the series 8-4 against Houston. … Last season, the Knights held a 24-17 halftime lead, but the Cougars, led by Conner Weigman, mounted a second-half comeback. Ethan Sanchez kicked a 22-yard field goal with 2:31 remaining to help UH pull out a 30-27 win at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium. … Willie Fritz holds a 2-7 record against UCF from his time at Tulane (1-7) and Houston (1-0). … UCF is 1-3 in conference games in Texas since joining the Big 12 in 2023.
About UCF (3-1, 1-0 Big 12): UCF ranks fourth in the Big 12 in scoring defense, allowing an average of 15.3 points through the first four games. The Knights have also held opponents to a combined 15 points in the second half this season. The defense has nine takeaways this season, led by safety Demari Henderson, who is tied for the league lead with two interceptions. Starting linebacker Lewis Carter will miss his second straight game with an undisclosed leg injury.
About Houston (3-1, 0-1 Big 12): Houston quarterback Conner Weigman is second in the Big 12 in passing efficiency (183.19) and seventh overall in passing yards per game (236.8), while accounting for a league-best 11 touchdowns. The Cougars lead the conference in scoring offense, averaging 44.5 points through the first four games, while the rushing attack is fourth-best, averaging 248 yards per game. Running backs Makhi Hughes and Ra’Shaun Sanford II have combined for 534 yards.
3 things to watch
Pressure point: UCF made it a point of emphasis to put pressure on the TCU quarterback last week, registering a season-high four sacks against the Horned Frogs. They’ll need a similar approach to Weigman, who has been sacked just four times all season and is elusive, with the ability to find receivers on the run.
Run the ball: Houston leads the Big 12 in rushing defense, allowing just 64 yards per game, so the Knights must establish the ground game early. Explosive runs by Duke Watson and Taevion Swint can open up the offense for quarterback Keyone Jenkins.
Create takeaways: UCF is second in the conference in turnover margin, leading the league with nine takeaways. Houston has only turned the ball over three times this season, including one interception.
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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