UCF goes into this American Athletic Conference matchup unbeaten, with a 7-0 record overall. With three games canceled due to Hurricane Irma, the Knights will need a couple more convincing wins to move up in the playoff rankings. UCF has the highest scoring offense in the nation with 51 points scored per game, making the matchup for SMU’s lackluster defense even more difficult.
Quarterback McKenzie Milton will lead the Knights offense Saturday night. Milton has put up solid numbers during UCF’s undefeated run, tossing 19 touchdowns and is three yards away from passing for 2000 yards. On the other side, SMU quarterback Ben Hicks will try to snap the Knights winning streak. Hicks will have to face a UCF defense that allows less than three touchdowns per game.
The running game for both teams has been productive this season. UCF has the advantage over SMU with their 216 rushing yards per contest compared to the Mustangs 188 per game. Both teams have balanced offenses and will be able to score in multiple ways.
SMU will need to execute well on every phase to get the upset over the Knights. The Mustangs will look to get a win here to help boost their chances at moving past Memphis in the AAC West standings. At 6-2, a win against UCF will certainly move SMU into AAC Championship conversation and possibly even a spot in the next set of College Football Playoff rankings.
SMU would love to see a homecoming night upset win over the 18th ranked team in the nation, but UCF is just too explosive on offense and seem to be in line for a New Year’s six bowl game and will have the upper hand on Saturday night. UCF will win by a score of 34-21.
