No. 9 Cyclones, 6-0 for the first time since 1938, look to ride momentum when struggling UCF visits
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht (3) reacts after defeating West Virginia during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Morgantown, W.Va. Credit: AP/William Wotring
UCF (3-3, 1-2 Big 12) at No. 9 Iowa State (6-0, 3-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Iowa State by 13 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Iowa State is in a three-way tie for first in the Big 12, has its first top-10 ranking since 2021 and is unbeaten through six games for the first time since 1938. UCF is spiraling after a 3-0 start. The Knights have quarterback issues, seven turnovers during its three-game losing streak and an offense that's scored just two touchdowns in eight quarters. While Iowa State is aiming for its first-ever outright conference championship, UCF will struggle to get to a bowl with the toughest part of its schedule beginning in Ames.
KEY MATCHUP
Iowa State's passing game vs. UCF's pass defense. The Cyclones have been able to depend on QB Rocco Becht's consistency and the Big 12's best receiving tandem in Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. Becht is averaging 9.1 yards per attempt and has been intercepted once in the last three games. UCF is allowing 311 yards passing in conference games, and opposing quarterbacks have completed 68.9% of their attempts.
Central Florida head coach Gus Malzahn, right, reacts after a series as quarterback Jacurri Brown (11) comes off of the field against Cincinnati during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Phelan M. Ebenhack
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Iowa State: CB Jontez Williams is on a roll in his first season as a starter and getting better by the week. He has interceptions in three straight games, the first ISU player to do that since 2018 and first to do it in conference play since 2005.
UCF: Whoever starts at QB. Freshman EJ Colson, at 17 years and 10 months, last week became the youngest player to start an FBS game this season when he took over for Arkansas transfer KJ Jefferson against Cincinnati. Miami transfer Jacurri Brown took most of the snaps against the Bearcats, though.
FACTS & FIGURES
The Cyclones are 3-0 in Big 12 play for the first time since 2020 and the third time overall. Iowa State’s 39 Big 12 wins are tied with Oklahoma State for the most since 2017 by current league members. ... UCF's Kobe Hudson has caught a pass in 29 consecutive games and has three 100-yard receiving games. ... ISU's 26 interceptions since 2023 are tied for the second-most in the FBS. ... The UCF defense's six interceptions are their most through six games since 2021.
