UCF-BYU predictions: Will Knights pull off huge upset and become bowl eligible?

UCF (5-6) at No. 11 BYU (10-1), Saturday, 1 p.m., ESPN2

Latest line: BYU is favored by 17 1/2 points

Matt Murschel, UCF Knights writer: BYU 35, UCF 14

UCF must secure a victory at No. 11 BYU to qualify for a bowl game for the first time since 2023. While this might sound straightforward, the Knights face a tough challenge; they haven’t beaten a double-digit favorite since their stunning upset against No. 7 Auburn in the 2018 Peach Bowl. To make matters worse, UCF is currently on an eight-game road losing streak, with its last away win coming against TCU on Sept. 14, 2024. The Knights have been downright dismal on the road, averaging just 10 points in their four road losses. BYU is averaging more than 40 points per game at Lavell Edwards Stadium.

Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: BYU 42, UCF 21

No. 11 BYU enters Saturday like a team with GPS-level clarity: beat UCF and book a trip to the Big 12 title game. UCF shows up 0-4 on the road and hoping bowl eligibility magically appears on its doorstep like a misplaced Amazon package. The Knights would love to wreck BYU’s season and salvage their own, but Provo hasn’t exactly been charitable to visiting teams. Expect BYU to treat this game like a business meeting: efficient, focused, and over by the third quarter. BYU’s playoff dream stays alive, while UCF wonders whether next year’s road games come with training wheels.

Adam Lichtenstein, College Football writer: BYU 38, UCF 14

The Cougars have a lot riding on this game. They need it to have a shot at the College Football Playoff. If they lose, the Cougars will likely miss the playoffs and the Big 12 title game. The Knights, meanwhile, are just trying to make a bowl game in Scott Frost’s first season back at the helm of the program. Last week’s struggles against Oklahoma State — arguably the worst team in the Power 4 — do not inspire any confidence that UCF can beat a playoff-caliber team. BYU is a 17 1/2-point favorite for a reason. Expect BYU to clinch a spot in the Big 12 conference championship game on Dec. 6 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/11/25/ucf-byu-predictions-will-knights-pull-off-huge-upset-and-become-bowl-eligible/