Arguably the most exciting non-NY6 Bowl will pit a match up between two of the countries most explosive offenses. BYU, led by future first-round pick Zach Wilson will take on UCF’s high powered passing game led by Sophomore Dillon Gabriel.
The Match up: UCF vs. #16 BYU
Time: 7PM Est.
Odds: BYU -6.5, O/U 75
How they got there: #16 BYU
The BYU Cougars had their best season in years in 2020. Quarterback and possible Heisman finalist Zach Wilson who accounted for 37 TDs led an offense that scored 43 PPG. On the other side, the defense led by Isaiah Kaufusi, was just as dominant allowing only 14 points per game. In a season highlighted by victories over perennial Mountain West contenders Boise State and San Diego State, the lone mark on the record fell outside of conference lines; a road loss against Coastal Carolina on December 5th, dashing their chance at a NY6 Bowl and undefeated season.
Players to watch:
Zach Wilson: The future pro has been sensational this season and will look to put a stamp on 2020 with another spectacular performance.
Dax Milne: Wilson’s number one receiver has cleared 1000 yards in this shortened season to go along with six touchdowns.
Isaiah Kaufusi: The senior LB leads the team with four sacks and holds a fifth place tie for most forced fumbles in college with three.
How they Got There: UCF Knights
The only team to keep a one-score game with Cincinnati during the regular season was the UCF Knights. Sophomore QB Dillon Gabriel and dynamic receivers Jalon Robinson and Marlon Williams led an offense that scored 44 PPG and gained almost 600 Yards of offense per outing. Unfortunately, Williams has declared for the draft so it will be up to the rest of the receiving core to step up. The defense on the other hand was poor allowing 31 PPG and giving up almost 500 yds a game. 2020 will be seen by the Knights as what could have been as all three of their losses came by one score.
Players to Watch:
Dillon Gabriel: The stud sophomore QB is averaging well over 350 passing yards per game along with a 7.5/1 TD to interception ratio.
Jalon Robinson and Tre Nixon: Robinson formed one of the most dynamic duos in the country along with the aforementioned Williams. Nixon will need to regain his 2019 form after an oft injured 2020 season in Williams’ absence.
Prediction:
Look for Zach Wilson to take advantage of a suspect Knight defense all night. Dillon Gabriel will have his moments in this shootout but the superior BYU defense should be the difference.
Gambling Picks: UCF +6.5 and U75
Final score: BYU 37-31