UCF Knights, Sam Houston State Bearkats look to build on lopsided season-opening victories
Central Florida quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) rolls out during an NCAA college football game against New Hampshire in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Credit: AP/Willie J. Allen Jr.
Sam Houston State (1-0) at UCF (1-0), Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Line: UCF by 21 1/2, according to BetMGM Sportsbook
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
UCF should get a tougher challenge against Sam Houston State than they did during a season-opening 57-3 rout of FCS opponent New Hampshire. Sam Houston State began with a 34-14 win over Rice, dominating the Owls on the road. The Knights want to continue fine-tuning their game as they prepare for Big 12 play.
KEY MATCHUP
UCF’s rushing attack vs. Sam Houston’s defense. UCF is all about the ground game, bringing back most of the key components from an offense that was fifth in the nation last year in rushing yards per game (228.2). The Knights opened the season with a 454-yard rushing performance, finishing seven yards shy of the school record. RJ Harvey ran for 142 yards on 11 carries and Peny Boone rushed for 81 on seven attempts, including a 59-yard run in the second half. Sam Houston State allowed just 48 yards rushing against Rice. Slowing the Knights will be a more difficult task.
Central Florida running back RJ Harvey (7) runs with the ball during the second half of the NCAA football game against New Hampshire in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Credit: AP/Willie J. Allen Jr.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sam Houston State: QB Hunter Watson had a field day against Rice’s defense, throwing for 229 yards on 16-of-27 passing with two touchdowns and running for another 57 yards. That helped him earn Conference USA Player of the Week honors. Watson led Iowa Western to a junior college national championship before transferring to Sam Houston State this year.
UCF: CB Braeden Marshall was among several standout defenders who helped UCF shut down New Hampshire, finishing with four tackles, two tackles for a loss and a pass breakup.
FACTS & FIGURES
Central Florida head coach Gus Malzahn, right, walks onto the field during an NCAA football game against New Hampshire in Orlando, Fla., Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Credit: AP/Willie J. Allen Jr.
QB KJ Jefferson struggled some in his much-anticipated debut for UCF after transferring from Arkansas in the winter. He threw for 164 yards on 7-for-14 passing with two touchdowns and an interception in the opener. Sam Houston State started 0-8 last year efore winning three of their last four games to close their first season in FBS. ... A UCF win would be the program’s 200th victory since joining the FBS in 1996.
