BYU Cougars vs. Central Florida Knights: Complete Game Preview

After three straight home games, BYU will hit the road for a contest at Central Florida. The Cougars won the last meeting between the two teams, a 24-17 victory in 2011, and will look to rebound after last week's loss to Utah State.

BYU not only lost the game against USU, but it also lost star quarterback Taysom Hill, who is out for the rest of the season. The story is very different for UCF, who beat Houston on the road last weekend.

This game will likely be a close one, and it could be a turning point for both teams' seasons. Here is a complete preview.

Date: Thursday, October 9

Time: 5:30 p.m. MDT

Place: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, Florida

TV: ESPN

Radio: KSL NewsRadio (102.7 FM, 1160 AM)

Spread: UCF -3

BYU's Keys to Victory

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Throw the Long Ball 

With Taysom Hill done for the season, BYU no longer has the luxury of starting a consistent dual-threat quarterback. Sure, Christian Stewart can run the ball, but it isn't one of his strongest attributes. And after what happened to Hill, Robert Anae will likely not let his QBs scramble as much.

Stewart had a couple of opportunities for huge passing plays against Utah State, but he simply overthrew his receivers. Blame whatever you want—an inaccurate arm, pressure in the backfield, etc.—but you can't criticize him. He's a backup quarterback, throwing the first passes of his FBS career in a sellout rivalry game on ESPN.

Nerves were probably the only things to blame for Stewart's less-than-appealing passing numbers. It is almost certain that if he can get more comfortable in the pocket, the long ball will become a huge weapon for BYU.

Shut Down UCF's Passing Attack

BYU's secondary has struggled for the past three games, as it has allowed over 300 passing yards per contest in that span. It is surely good news that UCF's quarterback, Justin Holman, is averaging just over 160 passing yards per game this season.

The Cougars will have the chance to get their secondary on the right track with a big game against UCF. The Knights' passing offense is nothing special, and if BYU can shut it down, the Cougar front seven is strong enough to handle its rushing game.

UCF's Keys to Victory

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Get Defensive Pressure on BYU's QB

As aforementioned, BYU's quarterback Christian Stewart will start his first FBS football game this Thursday. There's no doubt he doesn't have the experience of most college quarterbacks at this point, and UCF should take advantage of that.

If the Knights can get pressure on Stewart and force him to make bad decisions, it could change the game. We haven't seen enough from Stewart to know how easily he gets rattled from defensive pressure, but UCF should plan on finding out.

Be Creative Offensively

BYU has struggled all season to stop teams that are balanced with passing and running. Simple play-action schemes have killed the Cougars defense, and UCF should look to exploit this.

If the Knights can establish a successful passing and rushing game early on, BYU will have a hard time stopping them. If anything, UCF should try to not be the one-dimensional team that Mizzou exposed them to be.

BYU Players to Watch

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Christian Stewart (QB)

Of course, the spotlight will be on Stewart in his first start as a BYU Cougar. But despite the circumstances, he will need to have a great game for BYU to pull off the road win.

Craig Bills (DB)

Perhaps the most underrated player for BYU, Craig Bills has been arguably the most consistent Cougar defensive back. He has received praise for some of his hard hits, but keep an eye on him every down. He is fundamentally sound and a fun player to watch.

Jordan Leslie (WR)

Leslie dropped a couple of crucial passes against Utah State, including one that was picked off in the red zone, and it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. A big game from Leslie will be huge for him and this offense.

UCF Players to Watch

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Clayton Geathers (DB)

Perhaps the star of UCF's defense, Geathers is the type of player that can match up with almost anyone in one-on-one coverage. He has racked up 35 tackles on the season and could pose problems for BYU's wide receivers.

Justin Holman (QB)

UCF is seemingly a one-dimensional team, as its rushing offense is less than stellar, so a lot of pressure is on quarterback Justin Holman. BYU's secondary has struggled in recent weeks, and Holman could end up having a big game if the Cougs aren't careful.

Breshad Perriman (WR)

Perriman has already caught three 50-yard passes this season and is a big playmaker for the Knights offense. He may not have flashy numbers—he's caught only nine passes all season—but he definitely makes it on the highlight reels.

Prediction

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It is likely that BYU's offense will come out sloppy with a new quarterback leading it, and UCF may strike first. But once Christian Stewart gets comfortable on the field and things get rolling, I think BYU may edge out a close victory in Orlando.

Prediction: BYU wins, 24-20