WVU, UCF Seek First Big 12 Wins in Orlando Showdown

Orlando, Fla. — West Virginia University and the University of Central Florida are set to clash in a Big 12 showdown at 1 p.m. Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House. Both teams enter the matchup looking for their first conference win after struggling early in the season.

West Virginia (2-4, 0-3 Big 12) has faced difficulties, rotating quarterbacks with little success and yielding high point totals on defense since the start of conference play. This marks the first year of head coach Rich Rodriguez‘s second stint with the Mountaineers.

“Every week, everybody is going to play you a little bit differently, so you try to prepare for how they’re going to play you,” Rodriguez said, emphasizing the need to adapt the game plan for inexperienced players.

UCF (3-3, 0-3 Big 12) started the season strong but has stumbled in league play, scoring just 51 points across its first three conference games. Redshirt freshman Khalil Wilkins is likely to start again for the Mountaineers, who have managed only one first-half touchdown in Big 12 action.

West Virginia’s offensive line has struggled to protect its quarterbacks, a challenge they will face against a UCF defense that allows an average of 27 points per game. Linebacker Lewis Carter, an Oklahoma transfer, has emerged as a significant player for UCF.

“Very athletic guys up front,” Rodriguez said. “They have fast, athletic guys at defensive end and linebacker.”

The West Virginia defense is also seeking improvement after allowing 127 points in three league matchups, including significant yardage against Utah and BYU. Knights’ quarterback Tayven Jackson is expected to return from an injury for this critical matchup, which could be pivotal for both teams.

Centrally, running back Myles Montgomery has rushed for 434 yards this season for UCF, while wideout Duane Thomas Jr. leads the Knights in receiving yards. The stakes are high as each team aims for a much-needed victory.

The Mountaineers have historically fared well against UCF, winning all four previous meetings, including two in Orlando. Rodriguez remains focused on controlling what they can to achieve success.