This weekend’s college football action features a struggling Missouri team trying to get back on track against an unranked but tough non-conference opponent in Central Florida. Today’s meeting between the Tigers and Knights has a scheduled start time of 12:00pm ET at BH Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Missouri vs UCF Odds are favoring the host Knights at -3 against the spread; the game total is set at 48.5 points.
Missouri looked competitive for three quarters in its conference opener against Georgia a few weeks back, but that was not the case last Saturday when it faced No. 7 South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Tigers were manhandled by the Gamecocks in the 31-10 loss, but most disturbing for Mizzou was the performance of quarterback James Franklin. Franklin, who created a stir the week before by choosing not to play against Arizona State (shoulder), looked tentative and indecisive as he completed 11-of-18 passes for 92 yards.
Head Coach Gary Pinkel has been emphatic in his support of Franklin as the starter, despite the solid performance of redshirt freshman Corbin Berkstresser both against Arizona State and in relief opposite South Carolina (7-of-8 for 54 yards and one touchdown).
Should Missouri’s offense stall out against the Knights, who rank 48th in yards per game allowed, Pinkel may have to amend his stance. The Tigers cannot afford to fall to 2-3 with a home game against Alabama and road meetings with Florida, Tennessee, and Texas A&M still on the docket.
Central Florida will look to run its record to 3-1 on Saturday before it opens conference play against East Carolina next weekend. The Knights won their season opener on the road, wiping out Akron 56-14 and they fell 31-16 the next weekend at the Horseshoe in Columbus, Ohio. UCF rebounded from its loss to the Buckeyes last Saturday with a 33-20 home win over Florida International.
Missouri vs UCF Odds:
Missouri Tigers +3 (-115), Over 48.5 (-110)
Central Florida Knights -3 (-105), Under 48.5 (-110)
College Football Free Picks: Minnesota at Iowa (Marcos Best Bet)
What college football bettors need to know about Minnesota at Iowa on Saturday (9/29/12) - with a best bet from Pregame.com's Marco D'Angelo, with Bryan Leonard.
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Visit the Pregame Forum today for free information and excellent insight from resident genius Dr. Ed Meyer!