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Score predictions, tips against BYU Cougars

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UCF has one last chance to avoid a second straight league 0-point finish in October.

The Knights (3-4, 1-3 Big 12) hope to end their four-game losing streak by defeating one of the top-ranked teams in the country, No. 12 BYU (7-0, 4-0). The Cougars and Iowa State, to which UCF lost in the final minute last weekend, share the top spot in the Big 12 standings – with Kansas State, Texas Tech, Cincinnati and Colorado each one game behind.

Jacurri Brown will make his second straight start at quarterback for the Knights. He and RJ Harvey led a 354-yard rushing performance against Iowa State, and the duo reached the end zone four times.

Can the Knights seal the deal and pull off an upset this time, or will the Cougars spoil their home game at the Bounce House? The News-Journal trio of UCF reporter Chris Boyle, sports reporter Chris Vinel and columnist Ken Willis weigh in.

Your previous records:

  • Boyle: 5-2
  • Vinel: 5-2
  • Willis: 5-2

Chris Boyle: BYU 33, UCF 17

The opening betting line (BYU -1) likely raised some eyebrows given the different trajectories of these teams. Last week's results likely had an impact: BYU needed last-minute heroics to avoid a surprise loss to Oklahoma State, while UCF suffered a last-minute heartbreak and narrowly missed an upset win against Iowa State.

But BYU's defense is among the best in the country (13th in yards per play allowed, tied for sixth with 12 interceptions) and quarterback Jake Retzlaff has the kind of dual-threat dynamic that the Knights have had all year caused a stir.

Another aspect: BYU audiences travel very well. Even at homecoming, you can expect plenty of blue as a mix of black and gold in the Bounce House stands.

Chris Vinel: BYU 36, UCF 24

BYU has won seven straight. UCF has lost four straight. Since the Big 12 tends to cannibalize itself, there's a good chance that none of these streaks will last much longer.

But they will extend another week.

The Cougars have scored at least 34 points in six of their seven games, including the last five. The Knights allowed 38 points to Iowa State a week ago, and while they scored 35 points themselves, it took a pick-six and another INT that returned to the 1-yard line.

Ken Willis: BYU 34, UCF 23

Is the Knights' narrow loss at Iowa State a positive sign for late-season hopes? Finding a crime can't hurt the cause.

But if the Knights start winning again and maybe get six wins and a bonus bowl game, it has to start next week against Arizona.

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