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Kansas football: 5 predictions for the Jayhawks showdown vs. UCF Knights

By Joshua Schulman

Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Trill Carter (98) reaches for Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman Trill Carter (98) reaches for Kansas Jayhawks running back Devin Neal (4) during the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Timmy McClain (9) receives the snap during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Timmy McClain (9) receives the snap during the first quarter against the Baylor Bears at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kansas football forces Timmy McClain to throw multiple interceptions

Timmy McClain has done a fine job for UCF filling in for starter John Rhys Plumlee. In three starts, he has thrown for 819 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions. However, he is starting to get exposed in Big 12 play, and I think his start against Kansas will be his worst one yet.

His 55.1% completion percentage across the last two games is far below average. He’s also thrown interceptions in both of those games. Kansas has forced 2+ picks in three of its five contests in 2023, and they even forced Quinn Ewers to throw his first of this season, albeit in a blowout loss.

The Jayhawk defensive back room is led by Cobee Bryant, who will line up against Kobe Hudson on Saturday. UCF’s wideout group is subpar aside from Hudson, so shutting him down could leave McClain with very few options to throw to. A much-improved KU defensive line is forcing lots of pressure on the quarterback and should push UCF’s signal caller to make a few mistakes.

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