The Arizona Wildcats and UCF Knights have never played before, adding some allure to their Week 10 meeting. However, both are on multi-game losing streaks, tanking any level of excitement.
In our Arizona vs. UCF preview, we dive into the matchup, offer essential betting insights, and provide tips to help you make the best wagering decisions.
Arizona vs. UCF Betting Preview
All Arizona vs. UCF odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Arizona -4 - Spread
UCF -6.5 - Moneyline
UCF -218, Arizona +180 - Over/Under
55.5 points - Game Time
3:30 p.m. ET, Saturday, Nov. 2 - Location
FBC Mortgage Stadium | Orlando, Fla. - Predicted Weather at Kick
80 degrees, 13 mph winds, rain - How To Watch
FS1
Both of these teams have struggled on the field, and they haven’t been any better against the spread. Arizona is 1-7 ATS in the last eight games while UCF is 1-4 in the last five.
MORE: CFN Betting Parlay Calculator
The total could be a much more interesting play. The under has hit in five of the Wildcats’ contests, but the total went over in six of the Knights’ previous eight, including four of five at home.
Arizona’s Winning Probability
With win probabilities over 50% in three of their final four games, the Wildcats still have a shot at bowl eligibility despite losing their last four contests. Still, Arizona has historically been on its couch come December, making just one bowl (Alamo Bowl in 2023) since 2017.
- at UCF: 61.9%
- vs. Houston: 78.1%
- at TCU: 47.2%
- vs. Arizona State: 57.4%
UCF’s Winning Probability
The clock is ticking for UCF’s postseason hopes as they fight to keep their bowl streak alive for a ninth straight year. After starting 3-0, the Knights have hit a major slump, dropping five straight games heading into their annual Space Game.
To stay in the bowl conversation, they’ll need to secure wins in three of their final four matchups — the FPM believes there’s a strong chance they’ll win zero.
- vs. Arizona: 38.1%
- at Arizona State: 29.7%
- at West Virginia: 24.9%
- at Utah: 31.2%
Prediction for Arizona vs. UCF
UCF head coach Gus Malzahn has surrendered offensive play-calling duties and fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof just eight games into his two-year deal. Yeah, things are great in Orlando.
Yet, it’s not as if Arizona is in a better state. The program is 3-5 despite returning several immensely talented playmakers, including QB Noah Fifita, WR Tetairoa McMillan, OT Jonah Savaiinaea, LB Jacob Manu, and CB Tacario Davis. Injuries have ravaged the defense, and the offense is all sorts of disconnected.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season With CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
The Knights have played QB roulette most of the year, moving all the way down to QB4 Dylan Rizk to finish last week.
Whether it’s him, Jacurri Brown, or EJ Colson under center, the keys to victory are simple: hand the ball to RJ Harvey, pick up some yards with their own legs, and don’t turn the ball over.
Both squads have negative turnover differentials (UCF: -4; Arizona: -5), but the Knights move the ball at a far more efficient rate (UCF 454.8, 19th; Arizona 389.0, 71st). While Fifita and McMillan will get theirs against a depleted secondary, Malzahn’s squad should be able to run their way to a victory.
The Wildcats are a measly 75th in rushing yards allowed per game (152.1) — the Knights are fourth in the nation in rushing yards gained per game (267.9). Plus, the home team has a real advantage in Space Games, going 7-0 all-time with an average margin of victory of 28.8 points.
Take UCF to snap its losing streak while extending Arizona’s, hitting the over in the process.
Prediction: UCF 34, Arizona 24
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