UCF Football: 3 keys to victory over Pitt Panthers in Week 4

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – JANUARY 01: Defensive back Brandon Moore #20 of the UCF Knights returns an interception 93-yards for a touchdown during the first quarter of the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl between LSU and Central Florida at State Farm Stadium on January 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

1. Secondary must lock down Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett was very good last week for Pitt. He threw 372 yards, his second straight game of throwing for over 300 yards. Unfortunately for Panthers fans, they’ve struggled to find the end zone this season.

Pitt’s offense has become very one dimensional early in the season, passing the ball 129 times to 92 running plays early in the season, and the running game has really struggled. UCF has to limit their passing game in this one.

Fortunately for the Knights, that plays right into their strengths. The Knights have one of the best secondaries in the country, who shut down star Stanford quarterback KJ Costello last week. Richie Grant and Antwan Collier form a dynamic safety duo, and they’ll have to shut down the Pitt passing games in this one.

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It’s another game where UCF can add a power five name to the resume, and although Pitt has improved since their game last season, UCF still comes in as a heavy favorite to repeat last year’s performance.

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