BYU Cougars vs UCF Knights Predictions

BYU’s defense has the clearest matchup edge

No. 2 BYU enters Saturday’s Big 12 game at UCF with a 6-0 record, including 3-0 in conference play. UCF is 3-3 overall and 1-2 in the Big 12. SportsPicksForum lists BYU as a 7-point road favorite, with a -270 moneyline. UCF is +220, and the total is 43.5.

BYU has allowed 15.2 points and 274.7 yards per game. The Associated Press via The Washington Post reports that UCF quarterback Alonza Barnett III has missed four games with a hamstring injury and wasn’t expected to play Saturday. Keyone Jenkins is expected to make his fifth consecutive start. Those circumstances favor BYU’s defense and make the Cougars the more likely winner.

Why the wager is a pass

The available evidence doesn’t justify laying 7 points or paying -270 on the road. BYU running back LJ Martin suffered a lower-body injury against TCU on Oct. 3, but his status for this game hasn’t been established. There also isn’t enough current information about recent results, other injuries or offensive production to support a wager on the spread or total. Pass.