A fun Group of Five game, that could have major implications come the end of the season, gets Week One underway, when the Boise State Broncos visit the UCF Knights on Thursday, September 2, 2021. Both schools will be looking to get a New Year’s Six bowl berth, so winning this game is crucial for both. This game will air live on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. EST.
The Boise State Broncos are coming off a 2020 season that saw them go 5-2 (5-0 in the Mountain West Conference) but ended with a disappointing 34-20 loss to the San Jose State Spartans in the conference championship game. Boise State declined going bowl invites last season and snapped their 18 consecutive seasons with a bowl appearance. After the season, head coach Bryan Harsin left to take over the Auburn Tigers and was replaced by first year head coach Andy Avalos.
Central Florida ended the 2020 season with a 6-4 record (5-3 in the American Athletic Conference) and a Boca Raton Bowl beatdown. The bowl didn’t go the Knights way, but it was a program record fifth consecutive season playing in a bowl. After the season, head coach Josh Heupel left to take over the Tennessee Volunteers and was replaced by former Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn.
Below the College Football pick, and preview, for the battle between the Boise State Broncos and Central Florida Knights. All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
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Boise State Broncos at UCF Knights Betting Trends
Boise State:
Boise State is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Boise State’s last 7 games.
Boise State is 16-4 SU in their last 20 games.
Boise State is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games on the road.
Boise State is 6-1 SU in their last 7 games played in September.
Boise State is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played in week 1.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boise State’s last 5 games played on a Thursday.
Boise State is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games when playing as the underdog.
UCF:
UCF is 2-7 ATS in their last 9 games.
UCF is 12-5 SU in their last 17 games.
UCF is 18-2 SU in their last 20 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of UCF’s last 5 games played in September.
UCF is 12-2 SU in their last 14 games played in week 1.
UCF is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games played on a Thursday.
UCF is 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games when playing as the favourite.
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of UCF’s last 9 games played on a Thursday when at home.
Boise State is returning some key offensive weapons and will be led by Junior Quarterback Hank Bachmeier. The returning starter will rely on speedster Wide Receiver Khalil Shakir, who can also be dangerous running the ball, and Running Back George Holani. Tackle John Ojukwu and Guard Jake Stetz will anchor the offensive line. The defense brings back talent at all levels and will be led by linebackers Riley Whimpey and Ezekiel Noa. Defensive End Shane Irwin and Tackle Scott Matlock will anchor a solid defensive line.
The high-powered UCF offense returns electric Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, and the Junior gunslinger has two key weapons on the outside. Wide Receiver’s Jaylon Robinson and Nate Craig-Meyers will be very busy this season. Guard Cole Schneider and Center Matthew Lee will look to anchor the offensive line. Defensively, the Knights will lean on Linebacker’s Eriq Gilyard and Tatum Bethune. The secondary should be strong too as Safety Derek Gainous and Cornerback Corey Thornton return to help out head coach Gus Malzahn.
Series History: This will be the first meeting between these two schools.
Boise State at UCF Pick: UCF -5.5 to get the win by a touchdown.