Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights running back RJ Harvey (7) runs the ball during the second half against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Chris Williams (5-1)
Two red zone turnovers doomed UCF last week, but they moved the ball a lot better when messing around with quarterbacks. I don’t expect Gus Malzahn’s team to be a finished product when it comes to Ames, as there appears to be some culture problems amongst all of their transfers this year. But this is the type of team – with its slog style of play — that can keep things somewhat close. Iowa State 27, UCF 14.
Rob Gray (5-1)
UCF at Iowa State – The troubled Knights — who have lost seven players to the transfer portal since the season started — boast the nation’s fourth-best rushing offense, which averages 268 yards per game, and have been stringy against the run defensively (91.2 yards per game allowed). Usually, that means the team’s having success, but excelling at the line of scrimmage hasn’t stopped UCF from suffering three straight losses. The Knights have enough top-end talent to challenge the No. 9 Cyclones as 13.5-point underdogs, but not enough to avoid a fourth consecutive loss. Iowa State 27, UCF 17
Connor Ferguson (6-0)
Iowa State flummoxes inexperienced UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown and limits running back R.J. Harvey enough to take the lead in the first half. The Cyclones don’t look back and roll into the second bye week with a 7-0 record. Iowa State 32, UCF 11
Jeff Woody (6-0)
This is basically just the West Virginia game again, this time at home. But I think Garrett Greene is a better quarterback than what UCF has. How the Knights will try and attack the ISU defense is anyone’s guess. We’ll find out in the first 2 drives, then Iowa state shuts the door. It’s close for the first half, just like every other game this year, but Iowa State runs and hides. Iowa State 38, UCF 20
Grant Mahoney (6-0)
UCF is coming in on a 3 game skid, but don’t let that fool ya, these guys are good. UCF brings in the best rush defense ISU will have faced thus far, giving up on 91 YPG on the ground (next closest opponent ISU has faced is Iowa at 96 YPG). Their pass defense, however, is abysmal. Giving up almost 250 YPG, ranking 102 out of 133 teams, the worst FBS pass defense ISU has faced thus far. This will also be the best rush offense ISU has faced – as UCF is currently the #4 team in the country at 268 YPG. Jacurri Brown, a run-first 7th Floor Crew U transfer, will get his second career start at QB for them, but we may see multiple QBs for UCF in this game. The key to this game, much like the WV game, is stopping the run and forcing the QBs to throw the ball. I think we see Rocco cook and the Cyclones roll to improve to 7-0 heading into a much needed bye week. Iowa State 31, UCF 17
Jackson Pence (6-0)
This is a tricky spot for Iowa State. After a huge win at West Virginia last week, this has let down written all over. But not for this team. UCF has moved on from KJ Jefferson and in steps Jacurri Brown. Brown has the potential to hurt Iowa State in the run game as well as Knights running back RJ Harvey. I think Iowa State jumps out early to a 10-0 lead and never looks back. UCF might cover but the game will never be in doubt. Clones move to 7-0 into the much needed bye week. Iowa State 31, UCF 14
