UCF (3-0) at Kansas State (1-3), Saturday, Noon, FS1
Latest line: Kansas State is favored by 6 1/2 points
Matt Murschel, UCF Knights writer: UCF 24, Kansas State 21
UCF enters this weekend’s game with a lot of confidence following the Knights’ dismantling of North Carolina last Saturday. The defense ranks among the best in the country and hasn’t allowed a touchdown in the first half. They’re only allowing less than 9 points per game and they’ve shut down the ground attack. Kansas State is coming off a bye week after starting the season a dismal 1-3. It’s their worst start since the 1-10 campaign in 1989. The offensive line has struggled to generate much push and, in turn, the Wildcats haven’t run the ball well. UCF has extra motivation as the team wants to win this one for Shawn Clark.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: UCF 35, Kansas State 28
UCF has been surprisingly good and Kansas State has been surprisingly bad. The undefeated Knights enter this conference opener after a Bounce House Beatdown of Bill Belichick and North Carolina. Kansas State is coming off a bye week and — if not for a game-winning drive against North Dakota — the Wildcats would be 0-4 after starting the season in the preseason top 25. It just feels like this is more than a game for UCF in the wake of the shocking death earlier this week of offensive line coach Shawn Clark. I expect UCF to win this one for Coach Clark, honoring his memory in a way he taught them to play — tough, together and with heart and passion..
Adam Lichtenstein, College Football writer: UCF 28, Kansas State 21
There were a lot of expectations around Kansas State entering this season, and they have all evaporated. The Wildcats are 1-3, and their one win was a narrow victory over North Dakota, which isn’t even the best FCS team in North Dakota. Kansas State’s offense has been dreadful, and the defense has not been much better. The game is in Manhattan, Kansas, so K-State may get a home-field boost, but the undefeated Knights should have enough to come away with a conference road win.
