UCF will be without QB Plumlee when it makes its Big 12 debut on the road vs. Kansas State
UCF Knights defensive tackle Matthew Alexander (56) celebrates with teammates defensive end Josh Celiscar, left, and defensive end Malachi Lawrence, right, after taking Villanova Wildcats quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16,2023, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Kevin Kolczynski
UCF (3-0) at Kansas State (2-1), Saturday, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Line: Kansas State by 6 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
Series record: Kansas State leads 1-0.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
UCF will be making its Big 12 debut when it heads to Bill Snyder Family Stadium to play Kansas State, the reigning conference champion. The Knights are unbeaten after sandwiching a pair of easy non-conference wins around an 18-16 nailbiter against Boise State. The Wildcats are coming off a disheartening 30-27 loss at Missouri, where they controlled most of the game before the Tigers' Harrison Mevis hit a 61-yard winning field goal as time expired.
KEY MATCHUP
Kansas State QB Will Howard against the UCF defense. Howard was visibly slowed by the beating he took last week against Missouri, and it showed in his uneven performance. He had 270 yards and three touchdowns passing with an interception but was unable to add much in the quarterback run game. Howard is questionable to play against the Knights, and freshman Avery Johnson would be next in line to face a UCF defense that has yet to allow more than 16 points in a game.
Kansas State quarterback Will Howard runs the ball during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Missouri, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Columbia, Mo. Credit: AP/L.G. Patterson
PLAYERS TO WATCH
UCF: McClain is expected to start after John Rhys Plumlee hurt his right knee in the closing minutes of the win over Boise State. Knights coach Gus Malzahn said Monday that Plumlee could miss multiple weeks, and that means McClain will lead them into their Big 12 debut. The South Florida transfer led the Bulls in passing in 2021 before redshirting last season.
Kansas State: Johnson could take the spotlight if Howard is unable to play. He has been used primarily as a running threat, but the four-star prospect and one of the nation's best dual-threat quarterback recruits has a big arm, too.
FACTS & FIGURES
UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn walks downfield during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Villanova Wildcats, Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. Credit: AP/Kevin Kolczynski
UCF is beginning play in its fourth conference since moving to the FBS level. The Knights have played in the MAC, Conference USA and American Athletic before joining the Big 12. ... UCF leads the nation in total offense at 617.7 yards per game. That includes 723 against Kent State to open the season, the most by any team this season. ... The Knights are second nationally in rush offense at 299.3 yards per game. ... UCF last started 4-0 in 2018. ... Malzahn needs two wins to reach 100 for his career. ... Wildcats LB Daniel Green has been lost for the season after hurting his shoulder against Missouri. RB Treshaun Ward is unlikely to play after also getting hurt against the Tigers. ... The Wildcats rank third nationally in run defense, allowing 50 yards per game. ... Kansas State has 133 wins in Big 12 play, trailing only Oklahoma and Texas, who are leaving the conference after this season.
