UCF Knights 2017 NCAA Football Preview

College Football Predictions – UCF Knights 2017 NCAA Football Preview

2016 Recap

2016 Record – 6-7

2016 ATS – 8-5

Yes guy.

Just a year after a DEBACLE of a season (0-12) the Knights finished the regular season at 6-6 and got themselves into a bowl game. They lost the Cure Bowl to Arkansas St, but let’s be honest, that was a great first season for HC Scott Frost. Now while it is true that they beat a bunch of relative stiffs to get their six wins, we strongly believe that wins are wins (HotTake), and that the Knights should be given full marks. Keep in mind that the Knights were THIS close to beating Temple (26-25 loss) and Houston (31-24 loss). Things are looking up.

2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating

East Division – #2

American Athletic Conference – To be determined

OFFENSE

Check out the “UCFast” offense, dude.

The Knights more than doubled their points per game output (14 to 29) last season under HC Scott Frost and they look to be loaded for another big year on offense. QB McKenzie Milton was just a true freshman last season and showed that he has the potential to be a star in this conference.

The Knights have really nice depth at RB. Javon Hamilton led the team in rushing last season and they add in highly-touted freshman Cordarrian Richardson into the mix. The OL only paved the way for 3.5 yards per carry in 2016 and allowed 36 sacks. They should improve in 2017 in the 2nd year under Frost and they have a lot of experience (4/5 returning starters; over 100 career starts).

QB Milton has a PLETHORA of interesting targets at his disposal. Leading receiver Tre’Quan Smith is back for duty this season along with a pair of dangerous pass-catching tight ends. And they can always RELEASE THE KILLINS (Adrian Killins) who is a dangerous runner and receiver.

JUGGERNAUT ALERT – WR Tre’Quan Smith put up 4-100 yard games (15.0, 5 TD) and is poised for a breakout season in this high-octane offense.

DEFENSE

Lost in last season’s successful run to a bowl game was the play of the defense. Not only did the Knights make a yuuuuuge improvement on offense, but they made large and powerful strides on defense, allowing only 24.6 points per game (2016 – 37.7). You can thank their ability to get PENETRATION for a large portion of that success as they tallied 38 sacks (2nd AAC in sacks per game).

This year the Knights look to be strong again in the front 7. The entire starting DL returns intact including two all-AAC performers. The star of their defense LB Shaquem Griffin is back for his senior campaign and he had 11.5 sacks and 20 (!) TFL in 2016. The secondary is the big concern as there are no returning starters from last season’s unit. If they can continue to get excellent pressure on the QB it will help the DBs immensely.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Looking solid, yo. PK Matthew Wright made 17/22 FGs last season. And they still have dangerous kick return man Adrian Killins on board and he averaged 25.1 yards per KR in 2016 and took one to the house. They do need to break in a new punter.

Potential ATS Trouble Spot

Nothing stands out. The schedule has excellent spacing. They only play back-to-back road games once all season and there is an off week between those contests. They also get a chance to relax a bit in late September when they host Maine.

MEGAmazing Tidbits

Amaze your SNOBBY WAITER with this gem. UCF is 37-28 the past five seasons despite having an 0-12 mark in 2015.

MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 7.5

MEGALOCKS says:

Overall, we give the KNIGHTS a 7.5 ATS Value Rating (Very Good) this season.

There is real potential here. The offense should be lights-out and the front seven on defense should be solid with three legitimate stars in the mix. If they can find a way to keep the secondary from getting roasted it feels like this team is on a DATE with DESTINY and another bowl season appearance.

When it comes to beating the point spread, we need to temper our expectations somewhat, as peeps just LOVE betting on teams with great offenses. We also doubt that they will be under-the-radar in 2017.

Nonetheless, we likey.

Want more UCF Knights football?

Website

http://ucfknights.com/index.aspx?path=football

Forum

Free

https://ucf.forums.rivals.com/forums/ucf-fan-forum.8/

http://ucf.247sports.com/Board/UCF-Knights-Message-Board-Forum-59489

News

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/ucf-knights/

http://bleacherreport.com/ucf-knights-football

http://knightnews.com/category/sports/football/