Oklahoma State has been one of the more surprising teams in college football this season, especially after their opening week loss to Tulsa. Losing to an in-state, small-school rival made fans believe this will be the same Oklahoma State team we have seen in the recent past, but after three straight wins, including over Oregon and West Virginia, the tune has changed around the Cowboys. This weekend's opponent will be the UCF Golden Knights. UCF is 1-1 in the Big 12 after losing their first conference game last week to Houston 27-17.
For the second straight weekend, the Knights will travel to take on a conference foe that ranks just inside the top-20 without their starting quarterback. Former James Madison quarterback Alonza Barnett III suffered a severe hamstring injury in UCF’s Week 2 loss against Pittsburgh. Barnett is unlikely to return, so once again, the team will turn to backup quarterback Keyone Jenkins. Jenkins has filled the role well, throwing for 541 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions in his last three starts. Jenkins helped the Golden Knights get out to a 17-0 lead over Houston halfway through the third quarter. Unfortunately for the Golden Knights, their defense was unable to hold up, as they allowed Houston to score 27 unanswered points to end the game.
The Golden Knights have the chance to avenge last week’s meltdown against #18 Oklahoma State, whose momentum may slow down after the bye. To compete, UCF will need to limit quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who has improved his numbers every week. He threw for 389 yards and three touchdowns in the Cowboys' latest win over West Virginia.
UCF has the personnel to keep Mestemaker in check. With the injuries to their offense, head coach Drew Frost has needed to rely on his defense. The defense has responded, ranking 27th in passing defense and producing a +3 turnover differential. If Mestemaker comes out of the bye weekend a step slow, UCF’s defense should be able to jump ahead early in this game and keep it competitive.
UCF vs Oklahoma State prediction: UCF Knights +10.5 (-110) is available at the time of publishing. Playable at +10.
