Houston @ Central Florida preview
Bright House Networks Stadium
Last Meeting ( Oct 2, 2014 ) Central Florida 17, Houston 12
Quarterback Greg Ward Jr. won't be thinking about records or awards when No. 22 Houston visits winless UCF on Saturday. Ward, who is gaining some Heisman Trophy attention, will break the American Athletic Conference single-season mark for rushing touchdowns with his next score.
"I really don't worry about it, because we know that we still have to play a lot of games and still have to win at the end of the week," Ward told the media Monday. "So everything (like that) really doesn't matter right now." Ward ranks seventh nationally in total offense (359.2) and is the only player averaging 200 yards passing and 100 rushing while the Cougars are averaging 554.7 yards and 45.7 points. The Knights, plagued by injuries and inexperience, are second-to-last nationally in scoring (15.7) and last in total offense (254.4). UCF has won the last four meetings, including a 17-12 triumph last year after Ward fumbled out of the end zone in the final minute.
TV: Noon ET, ESPNEWS. LINE: Houston -21.5
ABOUT HOUSTON (6-0, 3-0 American): Ward (631 rushing yards, 1,524 passing yards, nine touchdowns, two interceptions) is tied with LSU running back Leonard Fournette with an FBS-best 14 rushing touchdowns after recording at least three in three straight games. Kenneth Farrow adds 502 rushing yards and five TDs while Demarcus Ayers leads the team with 46 catches for 562 yards and three scores while adding a 73-yard punt-return touchdown last week. Linebacker Steven Taylor is second nationally in tackles for loss (2.2) and fourth in sacks (1.3) while the Cougars are allowing 98.5 rushing yards.
ABOUT UCF (0-7, 0-3): Justin Holman (60-of-117 for 571 yards and three TDs) has thrown five interceptions in his last two games after missing three contests with a finger injury. The Knights average 53.4 rushing yards and have scored two touchdowns on the ground - both by receiver Nick Patti. Six Knights - led by redshirt freshman Tre'Quan Smith (22 catches, 293 yards, two TDs) - have at least 10 receptions while a school-record 20 players have caught at least one pass.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Houston and Baylor are the only teams that have scored a touchdown on the opening drive of each game this season.
2. The Cougars have allowed opponents to score 17 touchdowns in 19 red-zone trips.
3. The Knights forced four turnovers in last week's 30-16 loss to undefeated Temple, raising their season total to eight (seven fumbles, one interception).
PREDICTION: Houston 52, UCF 14