UCF football schedule 2019: Game-by-game predictions

Game 1: vs. Florida A&M

UCF has too much talent for a team like Florida A&M and should win easily. Hopefully, this is a good tune-up for whoever is at quarterback because things get tricky quickly.

Result: Win

Game 2: at Florida Atlantic

FAU is coming off a disappointing 5-7 and has to replace their great running back Devin Singletary who was the centerpiece of their offense. They are certainly no pushover, but they may have missed their window to be a serious contender.

Result: Win

Game 3: vs. Stanford

David Shaw has built a strong program at Stanford, but I’m not sure they have the pieces that would typically make this is a hard-fought road win for them. Look for UCF to make a statement early with a win over the Cardinals.

Result: Win

Game 4: at Pittsburgh

Last year Pitt seemed like a team that could challenge UCF with their power run game going against the Knights’ shaky run defense. However, that matchup was essential over at kickoff as the Knights rolled to a 45-14 win. Now the Panthers have to replace two 1,000 yard rushers and replace four starters on the offensive line. So even with UCF trying to find its way early in the season at quarterback, they should still win.

Result: Win

Game 5: at UConn

Whether they are in the AAC or the Big East, UConn is just a floundering football program at the point, and UCF should have no issues beating them.

Result: Win

Game 6: at Cincinnati

Just like last season, this will be one of the premier group of 5 matchups everyone should tune in for as it will likely decide who wins the AAC East. UCF got the victory a year ago 38-13, but this game is perfectly set up for the Bearcats to enact revenge and I think they do just that.

Result: Loss

Game 7: vs. East Carolina

East Carolina has been very consistent the past three seasons, and by that, I mean consistently bad. They’ve finished 3-9 three straight years, and even with new coach Mike Houston taking over they will probably need a few years to get back on track.

Result: Win

Game 8: at Temple

The Owls gave UCF a serious scare in 2018, and this will be an even tougher test on the road. Though without Ryquell Armstead and Rock Ya-Sin, Temple will be without two big-time players from last year’s team. Look for this game to be very competitive with UCF pulling it out late yet again.

Result: Win

Game 9: vs. Houston

This could be one of the most entertaining and high scoring games of the season. Dana Holgerson should have D’Eriq King and the Houston offense on point, but their defense is a serious concern. Since it is a home game, I give UCF the edge.

Result: Win

Game 10: at Tulsa

Tulsa has been on a bit of a slide these past few seasons, but this is not a game the Knights should take lightly. This could start a little shaky coming off the Houston game, but eventually, they should pull away.

Result: Win

Game 11: at Tulane

The Green Wave might seem like a pushover, but they are coming off a seven-win season and bring back one of the best defenses in the AAC. Their ground attack could prove to problematic for a UCF defense that gave up 222.3 rushing yards a game in 2018. And if there is any improvement in the passing game, they could be a serious sleeper in the conference. This will be a nailbiter for UCF, but they’ll find a way to win in the end

Result: Win

Game 12: vs. South Florida

South Florida completely fell apart the second half of last season, and it is still hard to fully comprehend. They bring back a good amount of talent so it isn’t crazy to think they could steal a road win from UCF. However, after what we saw at the end of 2018, it’s hard to trust them.

Result: Win

Final Record: 11-1 (7-1 in AAC)