UCF and Arizona battle to snap long losing streak

Arizona (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) vs. UCF (3-5, 1-4), Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1)

BetMGM college football odds: UCF at 6.

Series record: First meeting

WHAT’S AT YOUR BET?

Both Arizona and UCF got off to strong starts this year, winning their first Big 12 games. But both programs have failed to win since. The Wildcats are on a four-game losing streak, while UCF is on a five-game losing streak. Both teams need a win to turn things around and enter the final weeks of the season ready to qualify for the cup.

KEY MATCHUP

Over the last few weeks, UCF has made some strides on defense by putting pressure on the quarterback. But their loaded blitz scheme left the Knights’ secondary a little exposed. UCF is allowing 247.3 yards per game, including 228 last week against BYU. Arizona averages 260.3 passing yards per game. Quarterback Noah Fifita wasn’t particularly accurate, completing 59.1 percent of his passes and throwing 11 touchdowns to 10 interceptions.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arizona: Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan has been a favorite target for the Wildcats all season. He had 10 catches for 202 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s 31-26 loss to West Virginia last week. He has 57 catches for 982 yards and five touchdowns this season. He is approaching back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons, which would be a first in Arizona history.

UCF: UCF running back R.J. Harvey has continued to be a workhorse for the Knights this season despite all the adversity his team has faced. Harvey surpassed 1,000 yards on the season last week, rushing for 127 yards and two touchdowns in a loss to No. 9 BYU. Harvey became the first Knights to return with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons since the program joined the Football Bowl Subdivision.

FACTS AND FIGURES

UCF made two notable changes to its coaching staff this week in response to the team’s five-game losing streak. The Knights fired defensive coordinator Ted Roof, replacing him with co-defensive coordinator Addison Williams. UCF coach Gus Malzahn also handed over offensive coordinator duties to Tim Harris Jr…. UCF could also see a change at quarterback after freshman Dylan Rizk replaced Jacurri Brown late in the loss to BYU. If Rizk starts, he will be UCF’s fourth starting quarterback this season. … Arizona’s trip to Orlando will be the program’s first game in the Eastern Time Zone since the 1999 game at Penn State.

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