mankatofreepress
No. 2 BYU (6-0) will put its perfect record on the line Saturday when it visits UCF (3-3) in Big 12 action. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. EDT, with FOX carrying the broadcast. The Cougars opened as 6.5-point favorites and have covered the spread in all six of their games, while the Knights are 4-2 against the number.
BYU Offense
The Cougars average 421.2 total yards per game, ranking 49th nationally. Through the air they gain 214.5 yards per contest (88th), while their ground attack produces 206.7 yards per game (25th). BYU scores 33.5 points per game, which ranks 40th in the FBS.
BYU Defense
Defensively, BYU has been among the nation's stingiest units. The Cougars allow just 274.7 total yards per game, the 13th-best mark in the country. They surrender 188.5 passing yards per game (35th) and only 86.2 rushing yards per game (8th). Opponents score an average of 15.2 points per game against BYU, ranking the Cougars 14th in scoring defense.
UCF Offense
UCF's offense averages 354.8 total yards per game, placing the Knights 99th in the FBS. The passing game accounts for 192.7 yards per game (106th), and the rushing attack adds 162.2 yards per game (61st). The Knights put up 31.7 points per contest, which ranks 52nd nationally.
UCF Defense
On defense, UCF gives up 355.2 total yards per game (69th). The Knights allow 236.8 passing yards per game (105th) and 118.3 rushing yards per game (40th). Opponents score 21.7 points per game against UCF, ranking the Knights 50th in scoring defense. UCF is 79th in defensive third-down percentage, allowing conversions 38.5% of the time.
Key Stats
BYU ranks third in the FBS in offensive third-down conversion rate, succeeding on 56.5% of attempts. UCF holds a +4 turnover margin, which ranks 22nd nationally. The Knights are eighth in red-zone offense, scoring on 95.5% of their trips inside the 20-yard line. UCF averages 27:56 in time of possession (117th), while BYU averages 31:20 (40th).
Team Leaders
Bear Bachmeier leads the BYU passing attack with 1,257 yards, nine touchdowns, and two interceptions while completing 65.8% of his throws. L.J. Martin paces the ground game with 344 yards on 44 carries and three scores. Legend Glasker is the top receiver with 444 yards on 24 catches and three touchdowns.
For UCF, Keyone Jenkins has thrown for 806 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions with a 70.3% completion rate. Duke Watson leads the rushing attack with 483 yards on 70 carries and three touchdowns. Josh Derry has caught 28 passes for 304 yards and two scores.
Last Time Out
BYU remained unbeaten with a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame on Oct. 17. Bachmeier completed 23 of 36 passes (63.9%) for 224 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and he added 13 carries for 45 yards and two rushing scores. Preston Rex ran for 66 yards on 10 carries and caught two passes for four yards. Glasker recorded five receptions for 66 yards.
UCF dropped a 42-28 decision to Oklahoma State on Oct. 10. Jenkins completed 30 of 42 passes (71.4%) for 265 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. Watson carried 21 times for 79 yards. Derry caught 11 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown.
Up Next
BYU returns home to face Arizona State on Oct. 31. UCF will host Baylor on Oct. 30.
Originally reported by mankatofreepress.