UCF (4-4) vs. Houston (7-2), Friday, 8 p.m., FS1
Latest line: Houston is favored by 1 1/2 points
Matt Murschel, UCF Knights writer: UCF 20, Houston 17
UCF is coming off another disappointing road defeat — its seventh straight — following a 30-3 loss at Baylor on Saturday. The Knights quickly fell behind 20-0 to the Bears and failed to score a touchdown for the first time since a 44-3 loss to USF on Nov. 26, 2015, snapping a streak of 121 straight games. UCF also set season-low marks in offensive categories, including total offense (225), rushing offense (74) and passing offense (151), while converting on just 1 of 11 third-down opportunities. Receiver Duane Thomas Jr. finished with a team-high 77 yards on 8 catches, while edge rusher Malachi Lawrence had two sacks and a forced fumble. This Friday’s game against Houston is the annual “Space Game” for UCF. The Knights are 8-0 in Space Games since its inception in 2017, outsourcing teams by an average of 405-159.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: UCF 24, Houston 23
Let’s face it, this is a must-win game for the Knights, who desperately need a victory if they expect to be bowl eligible. The good news is that UCF is a perfect 8-0 in their annual “Space Game” and the bad news is that the Knights looked horrible in last week’s 30-3 loss to Baylor. Then again, Houston was knocked out of the rankings last Saturday when it lost to hapless West Virginia, a team UCF blew out two weeks ago. Expect quarterback Tayven Jackson to bounce back from his two-interception game as the Knights’ solid defense keeps Houston’s potent offense in check. While Houston might be the superior team on paper, look for the Knights to blast off toward bowl eligibility in a Space Game upset.
Adam Lichtenstein, College Football writer: Houston 28, UCF 14
In Year 2 under Willie Fritz, the Cougars have turned things around and become a solid team. After going 4-8 last year, Houston is 7-2, even after a disappointing home loss to West Virginia. The Cougars’ defense has been solid, particularly at stopping the run. The Knights fell flat against Baylor, scoring just three points. UCF may not play as poorly this week, but the Houston defense is a tougher opponent. UCF needs two wins in its remaining four games to become bowl-eligible. However, with a remaining schedule that includes games against No. 8 Texas Tech (Nov. 15) and No. 7 BYU (Nov. 29) — both on the road — wins will be at a premium. So, it’s fair to say UCF’s season could be on the line against Houston.
