College Football Pick: USF Bulls at #15 UCF Knights
Huge AAC East Showdown Today
At 3:30 p.m. E.T. today the USF Bulls (9-1 Overall, 6-1 AAC) will be at #15 UCF Knights (10-0 Overall, 7-0 AAC). This is a huge game as it will decide the Amercan Athletic Conference East title. The Bulls’ one loss, which was 28-24, came against Houston four weeks ago. Since then, they’ve beaten Connecticut 37-20 and Tulsa 27-20. UCF’s last two victories were against Connecticut 49-24 and Temple 45-19. Our USF Bulls play UCF Knights 2017 college football pick has the Knights favored by 10 and the over/under at 65.0.
USF Overview
The Bulls are averaging 37.9 PPG while they are holding opponents to 19.9 PPG. They feature a very productive rush attack and an adequate passing game. The defense does a fine job versus the air game and is solid against the run.
QB Quinton Flowers is an able passer and rusher. He’s tossed for almost 2,100 yards and rushed for 870, averaging 5.4 yard per run. Of his 26 TDs, nine have been on the ground and the remainder through the air. He’s tossed just five picks. RBs Darius Tice and D’Ernest Johnson have gained 860 and 715 yards and have 10 and seven TDs respectively. Top receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling has 48 catches and five TDs, while WR Tyre McCants has 21 receptions and four scores.
The USF defense has 17 picks, 32 sacks, and over 80 TFL. They have defended 47 passes. Standouts, and they are numerous, include LB Greg Reaves (12 TFL, 4 SCKs, 3 PD), DT Bruce Hector (13 TFL, 7 SCKs, 1 PD), and secondary specialists Devin Abraham (4 INTs, 1 PD) and Deatrick Nichols (3 INTs, 10 PD).
Bulls Summary
- Pressure on QB should be constant
- Tough D versus the rush
- Excellent ground attack
UCF Overview
The Knights can really pour it on when it comes to points, as they are averaging 48.2 PPG on offense. They’re holding teams to 20.5 PPG. This is a team with an explosive passing game and a decent ground attack. Their defense is vulnerable against the rush, but they do well when handling opponent passing games.
QB McKenzie Milton, who’s completing 70% of his passes, is tough to stop. He’s thrown 26 TD passes and just five picks. He’ll be looking to connect with WR Tre’Quan Smith (44 REC, 19.3 AVG, 11 TDs). A total of 10 UCF receivers have caught TD passes this season. The team is deep in the running back area, with Adrian Killins Jr. leading all efforts. He has eight scoring runs and 629 yards while averaging over seven yards per rush.
The Knights D has 16 sacks, 11 FF, and 49 TFL. They also have 14 picks and 29 PD. DBs Kyle Gibson (4 INTs, 4 PD) and Mike Hughes (3 INTs, 9 PD) need to have stellar performances today. LB Shaquem Griffin (7.5 TFL, 3 SCKs, 2 FF) will be essential to UCF’s defensive efforts.
Knights Summary
- Top passing QB
- D can create turnovers
- Deep at RB
Three Major Takeaways
Our USF Bulls play UCF Knights 2017 college football pick offers these three takeaways-
- Edge at QB goes to UCF
- Edge on D goes to South Florida
- Edge on rush attack, South Florida
Our South Florida at Central Florida Free Pick
We have two very good defenses, but there;s also two very productive offenses. We’re going with this being a big offensive game and are taking the over on 65.0 points. Also, our USF Bulls play UCF Knights 2017 college football pick is taking the Bulls at +10.0.
USF Bulls at UCF Knights 2017 College Football Pick: USF Bulls at +10 and over 65.0
