UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction: The Bearcats Are Now A Problem

Originally posted on College Football News
By Pete Fiutak | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 4:49 AM ET

In hindsight, the Bearcats have to be kicking themselves for not being sharper over the final few minutes in the 20-17 loss to Nebraska in Kansas City to open the season.

They haven't taken a missstep since then, including a brilliant 37-34 gut-check win at Kansas, followed up by a win over Iowa State to announce their arrival in the Big 12 race.

With Oklahoma State and a home game against Baylor next, there's a real shot to be 5-0 going into the date at Utah with a win here.

UCF lost the last two games in good battles with Kansas State and Kansas, but with a home game against West Virginia next, it can get the season rolling with an upset in Nippert.

UCF Knights vs Cincinnati Bearcats Preview

How To Watch UCF vs Cincinnati

Saturday, October 11, 2025
Game Time: 12:00 PM ET
TV: FS1
Location: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

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Why UCF Will Win

Get throwing, keep throwing, and don't slow it down.

Cincinnati is allowing 262 passing yards per game, and that's giving this bunch a break, considering a total wipeout of Northwestern State is in that mix.

Kansas got a monster day out of Jalon Daniels, Iowa State's Rocco Becht went off last week, and combined, the two star quarterbacks cranked past 750 yards.

UCF likes to be balanced, and the ground attack is solid, but it's 3-0 when throwing for more than 200 yards, and 0-2 when it doesn't. However ...

Why Cincinnati Will Win

Yeah, Cincinnati's pass defense is allowing teams to hit more than 70% of their passes, and it just doesn't matter.

Crank out all the yards you want. The Bearcats will simply match the yards and do even more.

The passing game is great, the rushing attack is unstoppable, and it all moves at a pace that's at warp speed, even for UCF.

The Knights are 0-2 when allowing more than 325 yards of total offense and 3-0 when giving up fewer. And ...

Cincinnati will blow past 325 yards of offense

Nebraska was able to keep the Bearcat attack in check, at least the passing game. It was a wrong game plan and strategy by the UC staff, and they adjusted in a hurry.

Cincinnati hasn't cranked up fewer than 430 yards in any of the last four games, and it's about to do it again.

UCF vs Cincinnati Prediction, Betting Lines

Cincinnati 34, UCF 20
Line: UCF -10.5, o/u: 54.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 4
Must See Rating: 3

Consensus Line from BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel. Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

- Bowl Projections

This article first appeared on College Football News and was syndicated with permission.

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