UCF Faces No. 11 BYU in Crucial Regular-Season Finale

The UCF Knights will take on the No. 11 BYU Cougars on Saturday, November 28, 2024, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. EST and will be broadcast on ESPN 2. With a chance to secure a bowl eligibility, UCF enters the matchup with a record of 5-6, while BYU sits at No. 11 in the College Football Playoff rankings with significant playoff implications on the line.

Game Details and Broadcast Information

Fans can tune into the game on ESPN 2, featuring Matt Schumacker as the play-by-play commentator, analyst Dustin Fox, and sideline reporter Sherree Burruss. For those preferring radio, the game will be available in English on FM 96.9 and AM 740, with Marc Daniels providing play-by-play and Gary Parris serving as the analyst. Spanish-speaking audiences can follow the action on the UCF Knights YouTube channel, where Carlos Bohorquez will call the game alongside analyst Sergio Ruiz Torres.

Weather conditions are expected to be cool, with a forecast of 42 degrees Fahrenheit, mostly cloudy skies, and winds from the west at 6 mph, according to AccuWeather. As for the betting lines, BYU is favored by 17.5 points, as reported by ESPN Bet.

Implications for Both Teams

For UCF, this game presents a vital opportunity to secure a sixth win of the season and regain bowl eligibility after missing out last year. A loss would mark the first time since 2003 that the Knights would miss bowl games in consecutive seasons. Coach Scott Frost emphasized the importance of this game, stating that it is critical for the team to perform at their best.

Conversely, BYU aims to solidify their playoff contention. Currently ranked at No. 11, a victory would keep the Cougars in the discussion for a playoff berth, even if they lose in the upcoming Big 12 Championship Game against Texas Tech. A loss, however, would complicate their playoff hopes, likely requiring a championship win to secure a spot.

One of the key players to watch for BYU is running back LJ Martin, who leads the Big 12 with 1,134 rushing yards this season, ranking seventh in the nation overall. His performance could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this crucial matchup.

Injury Updates and Team Status

Both teams will be missing key players for the matchup. UCF’s offensive line will be without starters Carter Miller and Keegan Smith for the third straight game. BYU also faces challenges, as offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho has been ruled out, and their leading receiver Chase Roberts is listed as “doubtful” leading up to the game.

As the regular season comes to a close, the stakes could not be higher for both teams. UCF is fighting to remain relevant in postseason discussions, while BYU seeks to secure its place among the elite in college football.

In the coming days, updates will continue to emerge as game day approaches. For live updates, fans can follow reporters on Twitter at @itsBrysonTurner and @UCFKnightsOnSI.