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UCF Hosts Georgia State: How To Watch, Stats, Betting Odds, Storyline
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- UCF Hosts Georgia State: How To Watch, Stats, Betting Odds, Storyline
(Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)
Game time: 7 p.m.
Where: Orlando, Fla.; Acrisure Bounce House
Streaming/Radio: ESPN+/96.9 The Game
Vitals: UCF aims to bounce back from a poor offensive showing in last Saturday's loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers . Costly penalties and the Panthers' pass rush overwhelmed the Knights' offensive line, putting early pressure on quarterback Alonza Barnett III and often forcing him to rush intermediate passes. The Georgia State Panthers are 2-0 for the first time since 2023, surpassing last season's one-win total. Their rushing attack has been dominant, totaling nine touchdowns in two games.
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Betting odds, courtesy of USA TODAY
Spread: UCF -17.5, Georgia State +17.5
Moneyline: UCF -1020, Georgia State +710
Total points: Over/Under 50 points
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER
KEY UCF PLAYERS:
QB Alonza Barnett III: 158 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception; 5 carries, 9 yards and 1 touchdown
WR Ric'Darius "Day Day" Farmer: 6 receptions and 63 yards (10.5 yards per catch)
RB Duke Watson: 13 carries, 120 yards (9.2 yards per carry) and 1 touchdown
LB Tackett Curtis : 13 tackles (5 solo, 8 assisted) and 1 sack
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DB Jayden Williams: 5 tackles (3 solo, 2 assisted), 1 interception and 1 touchdown
QUOTEABLE: "I think they're an impressive team," coach Scott Frost said during Monday's media availability . "I think they're really well coached and disciplined. They know what they want to do."
Knights Determining 9th QB Starter Since 2023
Alonza Barnett III sustained a hamstring injury in the final minutes of UCF's loss to the Pittsburgh Panthers last Saturday and is expected to miss multiple weeks, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Barnett's Week 2 injury marks the second straight season the Knights have had their quarterback injured in non-conference play. Cam Fancher , now at Michigan State , sustained a back and leg injury in the 17-14 season-opening victory over Jacksonville State .
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The Knights, unbeknownst to them, prepared for this scenario by signing multiple quarterbacks during January's transfer portal cycle. They signed Keyone Jenkins and Kaleb Annett, two potential starting candidates for Saturday's game.
Jenkins is the most logical replacement given his experience as a three-year starter at Florida International, but Annett is a wild card, having taken backup reps during fall camp.
Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper is adjusting to his starter's strengths to ease into a new role with a heavy burden before Big 12 play starts next week.
