Preview UCF vs Boise State

Big 12 University of Central Florida at Mountain West Boise State.

Credit @andrewghayes via Flickr

BROADCAST INFORMATION

• Kickoff at 7:00 EST, Saturday, September 9th on FS1

• Eric Collins and Devin Gardner will be on the call

• KBOI 670 or KTIK 93.1

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Boise State got trounced last week by #9 Washington by a score of 56-19. After coming off of a 10-4 season and a Frisco Bowl victory over North Texas, the expectations for the Broncos were high for both the players and fans coming into the 2023 season. As for the Knights of UCF, they have just been admitted into the Big 12 Conference this season and want to show that they do indeed belong in a power 5 conference, this is a crucial win. Last week, they defeated Kent State with a margin of 56-6.

KEY PLAYERS- UCF

QB John Rhys Plumlee - UCF

RB Johnny Richardson - UCF

Key Players - Boise State

QB Taylen Green - Boise State

RB Ashton Jeanty- Boise State

KEY MATCHUPS

John Rhys Plumlee threw for 291 yards last week completing 22 of his 30 passes. Granted 2 of those were interceptions, but nonetheless, he threw for almost 300 yards against a subpar opponent. Taylen Green of Boise State went 19-39 and still threw for 244 yards! Also with 2 interceptions. These two gunslingers' biggest enemies in this competition will be themselves. Will they be able to read the defense? Will they be able to resist the urge to pass when it's an unfavorable or questionable positioning? They are their own worst enemy on the field because each one of them has the talent, and the weapons in their corners.

PREDICTION:

This matchup is going to be an offensive duel. Both teams have so much to prove to the nation to show that they belong among the top 25 elites. UCF is going to set the pace in front of their home crowd with their star running back Johnny Richardson. While Boise State punches back with their running back who was also their leading receiver in week one's loss with 4 receptions for 109 yards and 1 touchdown. The Boise State defense didn't show up against the overwhelming Huskies of Washington, but this week I believe they will buckle down and not allow 500+ yards of total offense, like they did last week. But at the end of the day, I still feel like the Knights of UCF will come out on top with a final score of 42-28.