UCF-Cincinnati Series:
- Location: Spectrum Stadium (Orlando, FL.)
- Time: 8 pm EST.
- Series is led by UCF 2-1.
- UCF has won back to back games since beginning the series in 2015.
Offensive Players to watch:
Cincinnati: Michael Warren II. The Sophomore running back had limited playing time his freshman year, but has broken out this year for 1,082 yards and 17 touchdowns. Good for 3rd in rushing yards and tied for first in rushing touchdowns (Darnell Henderson, Memphis). The Cincinnati offense in general should put up some points, but Warren should have a great game against the 104th ranked Rush Defense on Primetime National Television.
UCF: Greg McCrae. McKenzie Milton will get a lot of the attention on offense, but it will be very crucial for the Knights to try and run the football through McCrae as well as fellow RB, Adrian Killins. The problem is that Cincinnati has the best defensive line in the conference and is 11th in the nation in Rush Defense. Milton will get some yards against a rather weak secondary, but the key to winning this game for the Knights is that they have to get the run game going and with the home crowd on their side, Killins, Milton and McCrae should be able to put up a respectable number on the ground.
Defensive Players to watch:
Cincinnati: Cortez Broughton. The senior leader of the D-Line has taken his game to a whole new level this season. He has recorded 17.5 TFL and 6.5 Sacks as well as forcing 2 fumbles. Him as well as Kimoni Fitz (8 TFL and 3.5 sacks) will be critical to apply pressure and make Milton nervous in a big time environment. Cincinnati has players in the other level that can make an impact in James Wiggins (3 INT’s) and Coby Bryant (8 Pass Deflections), but making Milton uncomfortable will be important and Broughton can bring that.
UCF: Richie Grant. The ballhawk CB has been the big time playmaker for the defense that was in a need of one with Shaquem Griffin and Mike Hughes. Grant leads the team in interceptions (4) as well as tackles (80). He also has forced 2 fumbles and recovered one. The whole defense as a whole needs to come together, but if there’s one guy to look for on the field keep your eyes on #27.
Some Background Information: This is exactly what UCF has been waiting for. For the past 2 years, UCF has been demanding a primetime opportunity to showcase their winning streak is not a fluke and should be considered for the CFP. College Gameday will be there. 8 PM EST on ABC. Cincinnati also has something to prove as they are another team that is fighting for a NY6 bowl game and with a win on Saturday, has a good chance of doing that. There will be fireworks as both offenses come to play, but in the end, UCF will come up with enough stops and Milton throws for 3 touchdowns and rushes for 2 to keep their very slim chance of making the playoff somewhat alive.
Final Verdict: UCF 45-34
Image Credit:https://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/knights-notepad/os-sp-ucf-football-news-0919-story.html
