Boise State Football: 3 reasons Broncos will beat UCF in Week 1

1. UCF has not adapted to Gus Malzahn’s offense

I think that Malzahn was a solid hire for UCF and that he will work out in the long term in Orlando, but there could be some growing pains to start.

For starters, I think that UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel could be awkward for Malzahn’s offense. Gabriel is more of a pocket passing quarterback and does not have the mobility that is usually necessary to operate the option bases running game that Malzhan employs.

That is not to say that the Golden Knights can’t figure everything out, but it might be tough during the first game.

UCF is replacing their top two running backs and their top receiver from last season’s offense. Transitioning to a new offense could make the growing pains worse.

What is even tougher is facing a team that will be as well-coached as Boise State on the defensive side of the ball. I think the learning curve and personnel on offense for UCF is the biggest reason that Boise State will defeat the Golden Knights on Thursday night.