Upcoming Match-ups

UCF vs Cincinnati Picks & Odds: Bearcats Have Lost 12 Straight Against Ranked Teams

Brady Trettenero

by Brady Trettenero in College Football

Updated Apr 6, 2020 · 3:28 PM PDT

Nippert Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bearcats
No.18 Central Florida is -4.5 favorites against Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium in Week 6. Photo by CincyUte (Wiki Commons) [CC License]
  • No.18 Central Florida takes on Cincinnati as -4.5 road favorites in Week 6
  • Both teams have bounced back after tough losses
  • How should you bet on Friday night’s affair?

No.18 UCF visits Cincinnati in Week 6’s marquee game at historic Nippert Stadium.

The Bearcats have struggled against ranked teams as of late, while the Knights showed weakness in an upset loss to Pittsburgh on the road two weeks ago. Both teams have bounced back after suffering their first defeat of the season.

The Knights have one of the best offenses in the country, while Cincinnati ranks top-20 in total defense. Cincy’s AAC title hopes essentially hinge on this game, and as you can see in the UCF vs Cincinnati odds are a dangerous 4.5 point home underdog.

#18 UCF vs. Cincinnati Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
UCF -4.5 (-110) -200 O 60.0 (-110)
Cincinnati +4.5  (-110) +170 U 60.0 (-110)

*Odds taken 10/02/19

Knights Bounce Back

UCF bounced back from from a 35-34 loss upset loss to Pittsburgh in Week 4 with a rout of Connecticut in Week 5.

Starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel threw for 281 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Knights to a 56-21 victory over the Huskies.

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The Knights ranks first in the nation with 2,843 yards of total offense through five weeks of play.

While Pittsburgh ended up winning in Week 4, UCF showed just how dangerous their offense was when they exploded for 31 points in a span of two quarters against the Panthers.

UCF still has their eyes set on winning a third-straight AAC title, and they have the offense to make it happen. The Knights are averaging 49 points this season and have suffered just two losses since 2017. They will be looking to make a statement on the road in Cincinnati in Week 6.

Cincinnati Trending Up

The Bearcats are coming off two solid wins against Miami and Marshall following a 42-0 blowout loss to Ohio State. Cincinnati beat the RedHawks 35-13 in Week 4 before taking down the Thundering Herd 52-14 in Week 5.

Sophomore QB Desmond Ridder impressed against Marshall, finishing 18-of-22 for 221 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. Ridder had thrown just four TD passes with three interceptions in his first three games.

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Riddler came alive in Week 5, but it’s Cincinnati’s strong defense that makes UCF only a -4.5 favorite in Week 6.

The Bearcats rank 17th in the nation in total defense and are allowing just 21 points per game. Will they be able to shutdown UCF’s high-powered offense?

UCF’s Offense Will be Difference

Cincinnati has a decent offense, but it’s nowhere close to being as good as UCF’s. The Bearcats rank 93rd nationally in total offense and are facing a solid UCF defense that is giving up only 19.5 points per game.

Cincinnati lost 42-0 to Ohio State in Week 2, and while the Knights aren’t as talented as the Buckeyes, their offense is quite similar. Dillon Gabriel and WR Gabriel Davis form a lethal passing duo, while Greg McCrae leads a potent run attack. The Knights can attack in a variety of ways and pile up points in a short span.

Ridder had one great showing against Marshall, but Gabriel has had multiple strong performances this season. The Knights also got talented backup QB Darriel Mack Jr. back from injury last week. Even if Ridder gets in a shootout with Gabriel, the Knights have four running backs averaging over six yards per carry who can step up on the ground.

Cincinnati’s offensive line has surrendered 12 sacks through four games, while the Knights have racked up 11 of their own on the defensive end. The Bearcats have two freshmen on their offensive line and don’t match up well against UCF’s impressive defensive front. Expect a chaotic night for the sophomore Ridder.

Bet the Knights

Cincinnati’s defense is impressive, but the offense is outmatched in this one.  The Knights rebounded from the Pittsburgh loss with a big performance against Connecticut and will bring that momentum into Cincinnati.

The Bearcats have lost 12 in a row against ranked teams, including a shutout loss to Ohio State this season.

UCF has won three straight against the Bearcats, including a 38-13 victory in 2018. The Knights are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 against AAC opponents.

Look for both team’s defenses to shine in this one, but Gabriel will win the battle in the air and UCF will ride their offense to earn a big road victory.

Pick: UCF (-4.5)

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