The West Virginia Mountaineers head into Week 8 with a 2-4 record, looking to improve upon their 0-3 road performance this season. They face the UCF Knights at the Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, FL. This afternoon game will be broadcast on TNT. West Virginia, part of the Big 12 Conference, has struggled in conference play, standing at 0-3. Their recent games have not been favorable, with losses against BYU, Utah, and Kansas. The Mountaineers’ last win was against the Pittsburgh Panthers in Week 3. The UCF Knights enter this game with a 3-3 record and a strong 3-1 home performance. However, they have also faced challenges in conference play, holding a 0-3 record. UCF looks to capitalize on their home-field advantage to secure a win against the Mountaineers.
UCF vs West Virginia At a Glance
- Game Venue: Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, FL
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM
- Broadcast Information: Available on TNT
- West Virginia Record: 2-4 overall, 0-3 in conference play
- UCF Record: 3-3 overall, 0-3 in conference play
- Game Odds: UCF is favored with a moneyline of -284; West Virginia at +228
UCF Knights Prepare for a Battle at the Acrisure Bounce House
Overview of the UCF Knights
The UCF Knights have shown a balanced offensive strategy, ranking 31st in rushing yards with a total of 1,210 yards this season. Their passing game, although not as dominant, still stands strong with 1,336 yards, placing them 69th in the nation. The team’s first down performance is commendable as well, with 126 first downs, ranking 33rd.
Defensively, UCF has allowed 107 points against them, putting them at 58th. Their aggressive defense has been effective, registering 9 sacks, making them the 17th-ranked team in this category. UCF’s ability to create turnovers is highlighted by their 5 interceptions, ranking 6th, and 2 fumbles recovered, ranking 7th.
Recent Performance
The Knights’ recent games have been a mixed bag, with their last outing resulting in a 20-11 loss against Cincinnati Bearcats. Despite this, they managed to outperform the Bearcats in first downs and rushing yards. In their previous home game, they narrowly lost to Kansas Jayhawks 27-20, showcasing a strong rushing game with 199 yards.
Their most recent victory came against North Carolina Tar Heels, with a commanding 34-9 win. During this game, the Knights exhibited a strong defensive display by allowing only 65 rushing yards and forcing two interceptions. Additionally, they had a notable offensive performance against North Carolina A&T Aggies, securing a 68-7 win with 360 rushing yards.
Key Players
Quarterback Tayven Jackson has been a pivotal player, passing for 906 yards over five games. Although he has only thrown three touchdowns, his leadership on the field is undeniable. Running back Myles Montgomery leads the rushing attack with 434 yards and three touchdowns, providing a reliable ground game for the Knights.
Wide receivers DJ Black and Duane Thomas Jr. have been instrumental in the receiving corps, with Black recording 241 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Dylan Wade adds depth to the passing game, contributing 155 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Injury Concerns
The Knights are facing some injury setbacks, with key players like Jayden Williams and Jacurri Brown listed as questionable. Horace Lockett and Ric’Darious Farmer are out for the season, potentially affecting the team’s defensive and offensive depth. The team will need to rely on their depth to overcome these challenges.
UCF Knights Betting Trends
- O/U – After Win: 7-1 in last 8 games
- SU – As Favorite: 3-0 in last 3 games
- SU – Home Games: 21-9 in last 30 games
- O/U – Away Games: 19-10 in last 29 games
- SU – After Win: 17-10 in last 27 games
West Virginia Mountaineers Prepare for Battle Against the UCF Knights
Offensive Struggles
The West Virginia Mountaineers are grappling with offensive challenges this season. Ranking 107th in passing yards with 1,032 yards, their aerial attack has been inconsistent. Despite these struggles, their rushing game stands out, sitting 26th with 1,237 rushing yards.
First downs have been another area of concern. With 117 first downs, they are positioned 42nd nationally, highlighting room for improvement in sustaining drives.
Defensive Bright Spots
While the Mountaineers’ defense has allowed 171 points, ranking 100th, there are bright spots. They have amassed 13 sacks, placing them 13th nationally. Additionally, their ability to force turnovers is notable, with six interceptions (7th) and four fumble recoveries (5th).
This defensive prowess can be a game-changer against opponents, offering opportunities for momentum swings during critical moments.
Recent Performance
West Virginia has faced a tough stretch, losing four of their last five games. Their most recent outing against BYU ended in a 38-24 defeat, showcasing vulnerabilities in both passing and rushing defenses.
In the previous games, their offense was held to 10 points against Ohio and 14 points against Utah. These performances highlight the pressing need to find offensive consistency.
Key Players to Watch
Quarterback Nicco Marchiol is a pivotal player, having amassed 720 passing yards and two touchdowns. However, his foot injury status remains uncertain for the upcoming game.
On the ground, Tye Edwards has been a standout, contributing 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns. With Jahiem White out for the season, Edwards’ role becomes even more crucial.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have plagued the Mountaineers, with several key players on the injury report. Notably, Jaden Bray (WR) and Jahiem White (RB) are out for the season, affecting both the passing and rushing dimensions of their game.
The uncertainty surrounding quarterbacks Jaylen Henderson and Nicco Marchiol adds another layer of complexity, potentially impacting game strategy.
Team Betting Trends
- O/U – After Loss: Last 13 Games (2023–2025) → 10-2-1 (76.9%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 26 Games (2020–2025) → 18-8 (69.2%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 15 Games (2022–2025) → 11-4 (73.3%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 12 Games (2023–2025) → 9-3 (75.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 5-1 (83.3%)
The Mountaineers will need to draw on their strengths and address their vulnerabilities as they take on the UCF Knights. Their ability to adapt and overcome challenges will be vital in determining their success this season.
UCF vs West Virginia Prediction: Over 47.5
UCF enters the game as a favorite with a strong home record, having scored 170 points this season. Their offensive capabilities, ranked 50th in points for, suggest they can put up points against West Virginia’s 100th-ranked defense.
West Virginia’s defense has allowed 171 points this season, which could be exploited by UCF. Additionally, West Virginia’s offensive output, though inconsistent, has shown potential to contribute to a higher-scoring game.
The historical head-to-head matchups indicate a tendency towards high-scoring affairs, with past games often going over the set total. Considering UCF’s offensive trends and West Virginia’s defensive struggles, the over seems a favorable bet.
Based on these factors, a projected final score could be UCF 31 – West Virginia 24, leading to a total of 55 points, comfortably exceeding the 47.5 total.
- UCF vs West Virginia Prediction: Over 47.5
- UCF vs West Virginia Score: UCF 31 – West Virginia 24
