FBS-CFB Game Preview: Central Florida Knights (5-6) vs. BYU Cougars (10-1)

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Venue & Kickoff

Matchup: Central Florida Knights (5–6) vs. BYU Cougars (10–1)

Location: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, Utah

Kickoff: 3:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM MT

Broadcast: ESPN

Weather Update

Forecast for Provo, UT:

Temperature: 44°F at kickoff, dropping into the upper 30s°F by evening

Conditions: Clear skies, winds 7–10 mph

Impact: Cold conditions may favor BYU’s physical run game; UCF’s passing attack could be tested by wind.

Injury Report

Central Florida Knights:

QB Dylan Rizk (healthy, expected starter)

RB RJ Harvey (probable, minor ankle soreness)

WR Kobe Hudson (questionable, hamstring)

LB Jason Johnson (healthy, defensive leader)

BYU Cougars:

QB Jake Retzlaff (healthy, expected starter)

RB LJ Martin (probable, shoulder soreness)

WR Chase Roberts (healthy, team’s leading receiver)

DB Jakob Robinson (questionable, knee)

Team Recent Form

UCF:

Lost 3 of last 4, including a 28–17 defeat vs. Kansas.

Offense averaging 27.2 PPG, defense allowing 30.1 PPG.

Fighting for bowl eligibility with this game.

BYU:

Riding a 7-game win streak, most recently defeating Oklahoma State 31–20.

Offense averaging 33.8 PPG, defense allowing 19.7 PPG.

Balanced attack with Retzlaff’s passing and Martin’s rushing.

Player Matchups

QB Dylan Rizk (UCF) vs. BYU Secondary

Rizk (2,350 yards, 19 TD, 11 INT) must exploit BYU’s secondary if Robinson is limited.

RB RJ Harvey (UCF) vs. BYU Front Seven

Harvey (920 yards, 9 TD) is UCF’s workhorse; BYU allows just 3.7 YPC.

WR Kobe Hudson (UCF) vs. CB Jakob Robinson (BYU)

Hudson (780 yards, 6 TD) is Rizk’s top target; Robinson’s health is critical for BYU’s coverage.

QB Jake Retzlaff (BYU) vs. UCF Pass Rush

Retzlaff (2,950 yards, 27 TD, 7 INT) must handle UCF’s blitz packages led by Johnson.

WR Chase Roberts (BYU) vs. CB Corey Thornton (UCF)

Roberts (1,020 yards, 9 TD) is BYU’s deep threat; Thornton leads UCF with 3 INT.

Series History

All-time: BYU leads the series 2–0.

Recent: BYU defeated UCF 49–23 in the 2024 season.

Note: This is only the third meeting between the programs, both now Big 12 members.

Betting Trends:

UCF: 5–6 ATS, 7 Overs in 11 games.

BYU: 8–3 ATS, 6 Overs in 11 games.

Head-to-head: BYU has covered in both prior meetings.

Projected Score: BYU 37, UCF 21

Bottom Line

BYU is surging toward a Big 12 Championship berth, while UCF is fighting for bowl eligibility. Expect Jake Retzlaff and Chase Roberts to control the game offensively, with BYU’s defense forcing Dylan Rizk into mistakes. The Cougars should cover comfortably, with scoring pushing the total Over.

Game Odds

Central Florida Knights                  47.5

BYU Cougars                                      – 17.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, November 28, 2025