The No. 3 BYU Cougars (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) and UCF Knights (3-3, 1-2) square off Saturday in a Big 12 matchup at Acrisure Bounce House in Orlando, Florida. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (FOX). Let's analyze college football odds around the BYU at UCF odds and make our expert college football picks and predictions for the best bets.
QB Bear Bachmeier ran for 2 TDs, caught a TD pass and threw the game winning score with 1:47 remaining as host BYU (+10.5) snapped the then-No. 2 Notre Dame Fighting Irish's 16-game winning streak with a 28-24 (Over 47) victory Saturday, the Cougars' first win over a top-10 opponent since 2018. Bachmeier completed 23 of 36 passes for 224 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT and ran for 45 yards, while his TD catch went for 15
yards. He's the first QB since former BYU QB Steve Young in the 1983 Holiday Bowl to record a passing, rushing and receiving TD in the same game.
UCF is coming into the game off a bye week following at 42-28 (Over 53.5) loss at the Oklahoma State Cowboys (-10.5) Oct. 10. The game was close until the fourth quarter when UCF QB Keyone Jenkins lost a fumble that was returned 28 yards for a TD, giving Oklahoma State a 35-21 lead that they wouldn't relinquish. Jenkins had a decent stat line for the day, completing 30 of 42 passes for 265 yards and 4 TDs with 1 INT.
BYU leads the all-time series vs. UCF 4-1, including a 41-21 victory in Provo, Utah, last season. Bachmeier completed 21 of 25 passes for 289 yards and 1 TD, while RB LJ Martin ran for 95 yards and 3 TDs on 22 carries. UCF was held to 42 yards rushing in the loss.
– Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll, conducted by the American Football Coaches Association and USA TODAY Sports
Watch NCAA football on Fubo!
BYU at UCF odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 10:26 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): BYU -275 (bet $275 to win $100) | UCF +220 (bet $100 to win $220)
- Against the spread (ATS): BYU -7 (-105) | UCF +7 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 43.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
BYU at UCF picks and predictions
Prediction
BYU 27, UCF 23
Moneyline
PASS.
This is a perfect trap game situation for BYU, coming off the school's biggest win in ages and now facing a team they obliterated by 20 points last season. UCF has been competitive in all 3 of their losses, all of which have been on the road. BYU will be the highest-ranked opponent to visit UCF, which has never beaten a top-10 opponent at home.
Against the spread
BET UCF +7 (-112).
This one might be closer than some might expect. UCF was competitive in their losses at the Houston Cougars and Oklahoma State, but wilted in the second half of each game. They led Houston 17-7 before giving up 20 unanswered points, and it was a 6-point game at Oklahoma State into the fourth quarter until Jenkins' fumble turned the tides.
BYU doesn't have quite the offense that Houston or Oklahoma State possess and will once again be without Martin, who ran over UCF last season.
The teams share one common opponent this season, with UCF defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 21-13 at home and BYU winning at TCU 17-10.
Over/Under
BET OVER 43.5 (-110).
UCF's defense is middle of the pack in the Big 12, giving up an average of 21.7 points per game and they've proven vulnerable to the pass. BYU's defense has been steady and ranks in the top half of the Big 12, allowing 15.2 PPG. While I don't expect an offensive shootout, I think both teams can find their way into the 20-30 point range and push this Over the total.
Best Prop Bet
Bet BYU WR LEGEND GLASKER OVER 75+ RECEIVING YARDS (+130).
There's usually a least one receiver that manages to find the holes in the UCF defense, and this week I'm betting it will be Glasker, who leads BYU with 24 catches for 444 yards.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Auburn / BYU / Clemson / Colorado / Duke / Florida / Florida State / Georgia / Iowa / Kentucky / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / Texas Tech / UCLA / USC / Washington / Wisconsin / College Sports Wire / High Schools
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: BYU Cougars at UCF Knights odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
