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

BetMGM 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 defeated Arizona’s other Big 12 school. The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the Big 12 preseason poll, but have a chance to get off to their best start since opening the 2014 season 8-1. Arizona State is coming off a 42-21 road win over Oklahoma State. UCF ended a five-game losing streak with a 56-12 drubbing of Arizona last week.

KEY PARTY

Arizona State’s defense against UCF running back 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 rushing yards and has rushed 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 ranks second nationally with 2,451 rushing yards 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 adding 55 yards on the ground. Rizk had the sixth-highest grade (90.1) among Power 4 quarterbacks, according to Pro Football Focus metrics.

Arizona State: QB Sam Leavitt. With RB Cam Skattebo potentially out with 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, throwing for 1,470 yards and 11 TDs with four interceptions. He also rushed for 284 yards and four more touchdowns.

FACTS AND FIGURES

A UCF win would be the 300th in program history. …Arizona State has made a huge improvement in third down conversion. The Sun Devils have converted 45% this season, 30th nationally, after ranking 120th a year ago at 31.7%. … The Knights lead the nation in explosive rushing plays 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 rushing yards last week. … Arizona State guard Xavion Alford has allowed six receptions in 277 coverage snaps.

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