Kansas State is hosting UCF on Saturday afternoon of Week 5. The game will take place at 12:00 p.m. ET in Manhattan, Kansas.
The Wildcats are 5.5-point home favorites in this game on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 49.5 points. This is a preview, prediction and pick for this UCF vs. Kansas State Big 12 conference matchup.
UCF vs. Kansas State prediction, preview
UCF Preview
Scott Frost is back at UCF and has started the season strong. Frost was the coach at UCF in 2016 and 2017, leading the Knights to their unofficial “national championship.” After that undefeated season, Frost took the Nebraska job. Things failed for Frost in Lincoln, then after spending a year as an analyst for Sean McVay, the prodigal son returned to Orlando. Gus Malzahn was never able to get UCF going over the last several seasons, despite them having a lot of offensive talent. However, things have looked good to start Frost’s second stint. UCF is 3-0, including a blowout win over UNC last week. This game kicks off Big 12 play for the Knights, where they hope to surprise some people this season.
Kansas State Preview
Kansas State had the worst start to a season imaginable. The Wildcats lost their season opener in Dublin against Iowa State and then never recovered. They barely survived at home against FCS North Dakota, then lost back-to-back games to Army and Arizona. The Wildcats were expected to be serious contenders in the Big 12, but now it would take a miracle just to get to a bowl game. Quarterback Avery Johnson has not lived up to the hype and the defense has taken a big step back from last season. After a bye week last week, this could be Kansas State’s last chance to jump-start its season before it is officially over.
UCF vs. Kansas State pick, best bet
My best bet for this game is for UCF to cover the 5.5-point spread. Kansas State has the more talented roster and the home-field advantage, but they have yet to turn in a good performance this season. This could be a game where the home-field advantage turns into a disadvantage. If Kansas State comes out of the gates slow, its already frustrated fan base could turn on them entirely, allowing UCF to feed off that negativity. Indiana transfer Tayven Jackson has been a dangerous dual-threat quarterback for UCF so far this season. He should move the ball against a Kansas State defense that ranks 66th in defensive EPA/play. Kansas State ranks 103rd in the country in third and fourth-down defense, and 101st in third-down offense. Those are the signs of a team that has quit, so take the points with UCF, a team on the rise.
