Arizona State looks to keep the momentum going in its home game against UCF

UCF (4-5, 2-4 Big 12) at Arizona State (6-2, 3-2), Saturday, 7 p.m. EST (ESPN2)

BettingMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 3.

Series record: Arizona State leads 1-0.

WHAT IS AT Stake?

Arizona State looks to continue its surprising second season under coach Kenny Dillingham against a UCF team that just swept away the Big 12’s other school from Arizona. The Sun Devils were picked to finish dead last in the preseason Big 12 poll, but have a shot at their best start since opening the 2014 season at 8-1. Arizona State is coming off a 42-21 win over Oklahoma State. UCF ended a five-game losing streak last week with a 56-12 loss to Arizona.

KEY MATCHUP

Arizona State’s defense against UCF against RJ Harvey. The Sun Devils have been solid against the run this season, allowing 111.9 yards per game, 27th in FBS. They will have their hands full against Harvey and the Knights. Harvey leads the Big 12 and is third nationally with 1,201 yards rushing and has thrown for 16 touchdowns, fifth in the FBS. He also has 40 runs of at least 10 yards, six more than the next FBS player. Behind Harvey, UCF is second nationally with 2,451 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns this season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

UCF: Dylan Rizk. The redshirt freshman made the most of his first career start last week, throwing for 294 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 55 yards. According to Pro Football Focus stats, Rizk had the sixth-highest grade (90.1) among Power 4 quarterbacks.

Arizona State: QB Sam Leavitt. With RB Cam Skattebo possibly out due to an undisclosed injury, the Sun Devils may have to lean on Leavitt a little more against UCF. The Michigan State transfer has been steady this season, with 1,470 yards and 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also run for 284 yards and four more scores.

FACTS & FIGURES

A win for UCF would be the 300th in program history. … Arizona State has made a huge improvement in converting third downs. The Sun Devils have converted 45% this season, 30th nationally, after ranking 120th at 31.7% a year ago. … The Knights lead the nation in explosive runs with 79 of at least 10 yards. … Arizona State ranks 18th nationally in rushing offense with 210.4 yards per game. … UCF held Arizona to five yards rushing last week. … Arizona State DB Xavion Alford has allowed six receptions in 277 snaps in coverage.

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