Big 12 Showdown: Kansas State vs. UCF Set to Rekindle a Decade-Old Rivalry

By Larry Billinger

The clock rewinds to 2010 as the Kansas State Wildcats prepare to face the UCF Knights in a highly anticipated Big 12 showdown. Back then, the two teams clashed, and the Wildcats barely clinched victory. Fast forward to the present day, and UCF is now a part of the Big 12 Conference, marking the first meeting between these two teams as conference members. The stage is set for an electrifying matchup at the Bill Snyder Family Stadium, and UCF’s head coach knows it’s going to be a raucous environment.

A Blast from the Past

The last time the Kansas State Wildcats squared off against the UCF Knights was over a decade ago, leaving fans with memories of a thrilling contest. In 2010, these teams clashed, and the Wildcats narrowly emerged victorious. This time, however, the stakes are higher as UCF has become a formidable addition to the Big 12 Conference.

UCF’s head coach, Gus Malzahn, acknowledged the history between the two teams and the challenge that awaits them in the “Little Apple.” Speaking about the upcoming clash, Malzahn stated, “It’s going to be loud.”

Preview of the Game

As the teams prepare to lock horns once again, fans can expect an intense battle. Both Kansas State and UCF have shown their mettle in the early stages of the 2023 season.

Kansas State comes into this matchup with a 2-1 overall record, showcasing their offensive firepower led by quarterback Will Howard. However, the Wildcats will need to overcome some key injuries, including the absence of quarterback Will Howard and linebacker Daniel Green.

On the other side, UCF has made a strong statement since joining the Big 12. Their defense has been rock-solid, and despite quarterback John Rhys Plumlee’s injury, they’ve managed to secure an 18-16 win over Boise State.

Injuries Impacting Both Sides

Injuries can play a significant role in determining the outcome of a game, and both teams are dealing with their fair share of setbacks.

Kansas State will be without quarterback Will Howard, which will put pressure on their backup signal-caller, Avery Johnson, to step up and lead the offense. Additionally, the absence of linebacker Daniel Green has left a void in their defensive lineup.

Meanwhile, UCF received a tough blow with the injury to quarterback John Rhys Plumlee. Plumlee, who suffered a leg injury in the win over Boise State, will miss the next few weeks. His absence could have a significant impact on UCF’s offensive strategies.

Predictions

As for the predicted score for this exciting Big 12 clash, we anticipate a close contest:

Predicted Score: Kansas State (KSU): 24 UCF: 21

Here are the top three reasons supporting this prediction:

1. Home Advantage: Kansas State will enjoy the support of their passionate home crowd, known for creating a challenging atmosphere for visiting teams. The Bill Snyder Family Stadium could prove to be the Wildcats’ secret weapon.
2. Defensive Battle: Both teams have demonstrated solid defensive capabilities in the early part of the season. This game might see a low-scoring affair, with defense playing a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
3. UCF’s Resilience: Despite the injury to John Rhys Plumlee, UCF has displayed resilience and managed to secure wins. They’ll be eager to prove their strength even without their star quarterback.

Disclaimer: It’s important to note that this prediction is purely for entertainment purposes and should not be used for betting or wagering. College football games are highly unpredictable, and unforeseen factors can influence the final result. Enjoy the game and the excitement it brings to the world of sports!