UCF Football: 3 reasons the Knights will upset No. 22 Oklahoma State

3. The Bedlam Hangover

Given UCF’s struggles in 2023 and Oklahoma State’s success, there are some truly eyebrow-raising numbers surrounding this Big 12 affair.

The Vegas line favors the Cowboys by just 2.5 points. ESPN Analytics actually favors UCF, giving the Knights a 51.4% chance of winning this matchup.

So why is Malzahn’s team being given such a strong chance in this game? It’s simply a matter of timing.

Sure, UCF has had a tough go of it in their first season in the Big 12, but this hasn’t been a season devoid of positive signs. The Knights rank just ninth in the nation in total offense, and went to Norman and lost to the sixth-ranked Oklahoma Sooners by just two points. Last week, they got back in the victory column, securing their first Big 12 victory with a win at Cincinnati. A lot of frustration was exfoliated last week, and the momentum is back on their side.

Oklahoma State, meanwhile, is in a prime hangover spot. Few games will be more emotional than the final Bedlam game a week ago when the Cowboys defeated the Sooners in Stillwater.

Now, they’ve got to get on a plane and head to Orlando, where UCF football will be chomping at the bit to stay in the win column. The Knights have no time for a hangover as they fight to finish 2023 with a winning record and bowl eligibility.