The UCF Knights (3-3) try to put last week’s disaster at Cincinnati behind them in the fifth annual Space Game against the Memphis Tigers (4-3).

Let’s get ready:

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Game Day Guide

When: 7 p.m. ET

Where: The Bounce House

Weather: Mostly clear, mid to low 80s.

Line: UCF +1.5 (76% of the money), Over/under 66 (OddsShark)

How to Watch

TV: ESPN2

Stream: ESPN+

Crew: Roy Philpott and Andre Ware

Series

All-time: UCF leads 13-2.

Last Meeting: 2020 - Memphis 50, UCF 49

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Keys to the Game

When UCF Has the Ball

Like in previous games, the running game is going to have to rise up. Isaiah Bowser returned last week and while his production was not great against a superior defense, his presence is enough to force defenses to respect the run. That should open the door for Mikey Keene to continue to build his confidence. The hope is that he becomes comfortable enough to throw beyond the short third with accuracy.

UCF’s Key Players to Watch

• #16 QB Mikey Keene — 59/95 568 yards, 4 touchdowns, 4 interceptions
• #5 RB Isaiah Bowser — 64 attempts, 295 yards, 6 touchdowns, 5 receptions 33 yards

Memphis’ Key Players to Watch

• #23 LB JJ Russell — 77 tackles tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss
• #15 DB Quindell Johnson — 62 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections

When Memphis Has the Ball

Memphis is going to have to rely on running back Brandon Thomas with quarterback Seth Henigan out. Thomas follows a long line of strong Memphis running backs, running for almost 650 yards on the year. Replacing Henigan is redshirt sophomore Peter Parrish, who is seeing his first collegiate action. Parrish is a dual threat QB who passed for over 2,900 yards and ran for over 1,300 in his final two high school seasons. Similar to UCF’s offense, Memphis is going to need to rely on the run to open up the pass.

Memphis’ Key Players to Watch

• #22 RB Brandon Thomas — 107 attepts, 642 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5 receptions, 39 yards
• #4 WR Calvin Austin III — 50 receptions, 857 yards, 8 touchdowns, 1 carry, 69 yards, 1 touchdown

UCF’s Key Players to Watch

• #30 LB Bryson Armstrong — 53 tackles, 1.5 tackle for loss, 1 pass deflection
• #15 LB Tatum Bethune — 42 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 interception

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