UCF, West Virginia seek bounce-back win at The Bounce House

Associated Press
Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 9:21 a.m. | Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 9:21 a.m.

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Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) passes under pressure from Oklahoma defensive lineman Jordan Kelley (88) in the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Norman, Okla.

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West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) carries the ball on a quarterback keeper during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va.

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UCF head coach Gus Malzahn watches as his team plays Oklahoma in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Norman, Okla.

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West Virginia head coach Neal Brown looks on during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma StateSaturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va.

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UCF wide receiver Javon Baker, right, catches a pass for a touchdown as UCF running back RJ Harvey (7) and Oklahoma defensive back Billy Bowman Jr., left, chase late in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Norman, Okla.

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Oklahoma State’s Jaden Bray (5) catches a pass for a touchdown as West Virginia’s Malachi Ruffin (14) covers during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, in Morgantown, W.Va.

West Virginia (4-3, 2-2 Big 12) at UCF (3-4, 0-4 Big 12), noon (FS1)

Line: UCF by 7, according to FanDuel SportsBook

Series record: West Virginia leads 2-0

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

UCF has not had the introduction to the Big 12 the team hoped. Nearly midway through their inaugural season in the league, the Knights are still hoping to get their first Big 12 win. West Virginia and coach Neal Brown are feeling the pressure too after two straight losses, one on a Hail Mary to Houston and the other after leading entering the fourth quarter against Oklahoma State last week.

KEY MATCHUP

West Virginia’s runners vs. UCF’s rush defense. UCF has struggled against the run since jumping into Big 12 play, giving up an average of 196 yards per game this season on the ground and 255.5 yards per game in Big 12 play. The Mountaineers are strong on the ground, amassing 191.4 rush yards per game (fifth in the Big 12). Running back C.J. Donaldson (453 yards, six TDs) and quarterback Garrett Greene (349, five) have led the way.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

West Virginia: CB Beanie Bishop Jr. Bishop had four pass breakups against Oklahoma State. He has 11 on the season to go with two interceptions and 37 tackles. That will be key against a UCF offense that seeks explosive plays.

UCF: WR Xavier Townsend. The sophomore wide receiver was front and center for the Knights’ failed tying 2-point conversion in Saturday’s loss at Oklahoma. But Townsend has come into his own, tallying 190 yards and two touchdowns receiving and 150 rushing yards this season.

FACTS AND FIGURES

West Virginia WR Hudson Clement is listed as doubtful after suffering a lower leg injury last week. … UCF had several ailing players, including quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, who required IVs before the game against Oklahoma last week. … The Mountaineers allowed Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon II to run for a career-high 282 yards last week. … UCF is on a four-game losing streak, the first such streak for the Knights since their 0-12 season in 2015. The Knights have not lost consecutive games at home since losses to Maryland and Temple in 2016. … Saturday is homecoming for the Knights, which will include a pregame concert from DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O’Neal).