UCF Knights, Sam Houston State Bearkats look to build on lopsided season-opening wins

Sam Houston State (1-0) at UCF (1-0), Saturday, 6:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)

Line: UCF by 21 1/2, according to BetMGM Sportsbook

Series Review: First Meeting.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

UCF should have a tougher challenge against Sam Houston State than it did in its 57-3 win over FCS foe New Hampshire in the season opener. Sam Houston State opened with a 34-14 win over Rice, dominating the Owls on the road. The Knights will continue to refine their game as they prepare for the Big 12.

SECOND CONFLICT

UCF’s rushing attack vs. Sam Houston’s defense. UCF is all about the ground game, returning most of the key pieces from an offense that was fifth in the country last year in rushing yards per game (228.2). The Knights opened the season with a 454-yard rushing performance, finishing seven yards shy of the school record. RJ Harvey ran for 142 yards on 11 carries and Peny Boone ran for 81 yards on seven attempts, including a 59-yard run in the second half. Sam Houston State allowed just 48 rushing yards against Rice. Slowing down the Knights will be a tougher task.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Sam Houston State: QB Hunter Watson had his work cut out for him against Rice’s defense, throwing for 229 yards on 16-of-27 passing with two touchdowns and running for another 57 yards. That earned him Conference USA Player of the Week honors. Watson led Iowa Western to the junior college national championship before transferring to Sam Houston State this year.

UCF: CB Braeden Marshall was among the standout defenders who helped UCF stop New Hampshire, finishing with four tackles, two tackles for loss and a pass breakup.

FACTS AND FIGURES

QB KJ Jefferson struggled in his highly anticipated debut for UCF after transferring from Arkansas this winter. He threw for 164 yards on 7-of-14 passing with two touchdowns and an interception in the season opener. Sam Houston State started 0-8 last year before winning three of its final four games to close out its first season in FBS. … A UCF win would be the program’s 200th victory since joining the FBS in 1996.