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UCF Knights vs. Kansas Jayhawks Prediction and Odds: With Quarterback Jalon Daniels on the Mend, Can the 4 Win Jayhawks Remain Undefeated at Home Against the Looming Knights?

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Alec Musa | Last updated 10/5/23

The UCF Knights (3-2) will face off against the Kansas Jayhawks (4-1) on Saturday afternoon. After starting the season 3-0, UCF has dropped back-to-back games, including a heartbreaking 36-35 loss to the Baylor Bears. The Knights were outscored 26-0 in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, Kansas dropped their first game of the season last Saturday, a 40-14 drumming at the hands of the Texas Longhorns. The Jayhawks passed for just 136 yards without starting quarterback Jalon Daniels. The signal-caller is questionable for Saturday’s tilt against UCF.

UCF Knights vs. Kansas Jayhawks Odds and Match Details

Team	Spread	Total	MoneyLine
UCF	-1 -110	O65 -110	-115
Kansas	+1 -110	U65 -110	-105
Odds Subject to Change

Fixture: UCF @ Kansas

Date and Time: October 7, 4:00 p.m. EST

Location: David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, Lawrence, Kansas

Field Surface: FieldTurf

Weather: Sunny, 65 degrees

Key Stats

UCF Knights

The UCF Knights are among four teams in the Big 12 to score more than 35 points per game (37.6). Dual-threat quarterback Timmy McClain has been fantastic as a replacement for the injured John Rhys Plumlee. McClain has thrown for 872 yards and seven touchdowns against two picks in four games. Rhys Plumlee is questionable to return against Kansas. He has four touchdowns against four picks this season. However, the Knights make their money running the ball. They have averaged a conference-best 255 rushing yards and 6.1 yards per rush attempt this season. Unfortunately for UCF, they average the most turnovers committed per game.

The UCF defense is middle-of-the-pack in most team defensive stats. They allow 23 points per game but do a great job against opposing passers. They keep opponents to a 53% completion percentage and less than one passing touchdown per game. However, they allow 4.2 yards per rush attempt on nearly 38 rush attempts per contest. The Knights are also near the bottom of the Big 12 in turnovers forced per game.

Kansas Jayhawks

The Kansas Jayhawks have averaged 33 points per game, the sixth-best mark in the Big 12. They complete 70% of their passes for 223 yards per game, but starting quarterback Jalon Daniels is questionable for Saturday’s tilt after missing last week’s game against Texas. However, backup Jason Bean has thrown three touchdowns against no interceptions this season. The Kansas Jayhawks are fantastic at running the ball, averaging 5.4 yards per attempt on 37 carries per game. They also do a good job holding onto the ball.

The Kansas defense has gotten gashed in 2023. They allow 26 points per game while opposing passers complete a conference-high 66% of their passes. The front seven has been the same, allowing 4.3 yards per attempt. The Kansas Jayhawks are ahead of only Houston and Baylor for most yards allowed per play. However, they do an excellent job at forcing turnovers, especially interceptions.

Game Prediction

I like the UCF Knights in this matchup. Starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has returned to practice, and his return will elevate the running attack of the Knights. Meanwhile, per sources, the Jayhawks’ Jalon Daniels has been limited at practice this week. His absence would kill the efficiency of the Kansas offense. So, let’s roll with the Knights, especially given that they should run all over a suspect Kansas front seven.