Kansas Jayhawks at UCF Knights Predictions: Ignore the Pressure

Our crew gets together to tell you what they expect to see in tonight's road matchup between Kansas and UCF.

The Kansas Jayhawks escaped in the conference opener against a sneaky-good TCU Horned Frogs squad on Saturday. Today, they get to head down to face a UCF Knights team that got a rude awakening in their first conference game.

The Jayhawks are clearly the better team in this matchup, but that hasn't usually meant much when you get into Big 12 play. There will be much tougher road matchups for the Jayhawks in the coming weeks, but can they avoid giving up one of the easier ones tonight? Or will UCF become the latest team to shock an unsuspecting Top 5 opponent?

Do you disagree with our assessment? Make sure you read them all and then hope over to the Discord or on Twitter to share your own thoughts.

Kyle Davis

Check out our UCF Preview for Kyle's full breakdown and prediction.

Kansas at UCF Basketball Preview

Derek Noll

I was wildly off in my last prediction, stating erroneously that Kansas would mop the floor with TCU, but never fear, I’m doing it again, this time with KU traveling to Orlando to take on UCF. The Knights haven’t beaten anyone of significance this season and got beaten by K-State handily in their conference debut. I am confident that the Hawks will take care of business down in Florida and come away with the win and I’d like to see some of the bench players (and Elmarko Jackson) contribute to the win in a big way. The Jayhawks are gonna need these guys as conference play progresses, but for now, give me the Jayhawks by about twenty. 

Kansas 81, UCF 63.

Brendan Dzwierzynski

This is not a good UCF team, regardless of what the metrics said entering Big 12 play. The long trip is a pain for KU, but I see no reason why the stars (read: Dickinson and McCullar) can’t post huge nights on Wednesday. A full 40 minutes from Harris would be nice, too. 

Kansas 80, UCF 62.

Andy Mitts

I completely disagree with you here, Brendan. I think that I would much prefer to see a full 32 minutes from Dajuan Harris and give the others some garbage time minutes. That being said, the only worry I have against this UCF team is the Jayhawks getting in their own heads. They can't get frustrated with any offensive slumps in this game, as UCF does have a pretty good defense, especially on the ball. Frustration will lead to forcing things, which will play right into the hands of the 4th best team in the nation in terms of steals.

If Kansas can be patient, work their offense and trust that their defense will open up plenty of opportunities, they should be able to run away with this game. If not, we are going to be sweating out a possible third upset of a top 3 team in two days.

Kansas 82, UCF 67.

Follow Us: Twitter | Instagram | Discord | The Rock Chalk Podcast