UCF Knights vs. Cincinnati Bearcats Odds & Game Pick (2021)
The only remaining question for the #4 Cinci Bearcats at this point in their CFP dream, is will it be enough? With the toughest part of their schedule now behind them, the Bearcats will be favored by double digits in every remaining game, starting with this week vs. the Knights.
Let’s take a closer look at this matchup between AAC foes and see where the value remains as kickoff approaches.
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Details
- Opening Line: Bearcats -20, O/U 56
- Current Line: Bearcats -21, O/U 57.5
Overview
With their highest ranking (#3) in program history now on the line each and every week, AAC play is the only thing stopping the Bearcats from a shot at the CFP for the first time in any group of five’s history. Their opening game in conference play was a route, beating Temple last week 52-3 quieting any chance of a letdown following their win at Notre Dame the week prior.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder continued his strong play, throwing for 259 yards and three touchdowns while running back Jerome Ford added another two.
Their opponent in this one, the UCF Knights, will be looking to prevent the Bearcats 24th straight home win, but the order will be a tall one. True freshman Mikey Keene will be making just his third start since taking over for incumbent starter Dillon Gabriel who is lost for the season with a fractured clavicle on September 17th.
However, it will be the young Keene’s toughest test to date by a landslide, as he faces a Bearcats defense who has allowed 14 points or fewer in four of their six games thus far.
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Trends
- Knights 4-1 ATS in L5 vs. Bearcats
- Knights 7-2 to the over in L9 away games
Bottom Line
The Bearcats know, if they want any shot of playing for the CFP, they need to not only win their games but do so in a decisive fashion. Whether it’s a truly great rivalry or not, Ridder has stated this week he believes it is and that the team is anxious to get revenge for the 25-point loss they sustained back in 2018 on the way to UCF’s own undefeated season.
In this one, I think you see a team motivated for four quarters once again put the country on notice that they are not your average group of five winner.
Pick: Bearcats -21
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