Tale of the Tape: WVU vs UCF

It’s time for our weekly Tale of the Tape feature, where we compare West Virginia against its upcoming opponent using the NCAA’s official stats. This week, the Mountaineers head to Orlando for a matchup with UCF, and the numbers show another big challenge.
The Knights have been solid offensively behind one of the most balanced attacks in the Big 12, averaging more than 420 yards per game while ranking among the nation’s best against the pass on defense. They’ve kept opponents in check, allowing just 17.8 points per game and holding teams under 310 total yards on average.
West Virginia, meanwhile, continues to rely heavily on the ground game but has struggled to find rhythm through the air and on third down. The Mountaineers have been sharp in the red zone and have limited mental mistakes, but they’ll need to be more consistent offensively to hang around on the road.
West Virginia vs UCF statistical comparison
Stat | WVU Rank | WVU Value | UCF Rank | UCF Value | Edge |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Total Offense | 75 | 378.2 | 41 | 423.0 | UCF |
Rushing Offense | 25 | 206.2 | 29 | 200.3 | WVU |
Passing Offense | 115 | 172.0 | 74 | 222.7 | UCF |
Team Passing Efficiency | 109 | 121.30 | 106 | 122.10 | UCF |
Scoring Offense | T-103 | 22.3 | 72 | 28.3 | UCF |
Total Defense (lower better) | T-96 | 389.5 | 24 | 305.8 | UCF |
Rushing Defense (lower better) | T-88 | 155.0 | 78 | 148.3 | UCF |
Passing Yards Allowed (lower better) | 83 | 234.5 | 13 | 157.5 | UCF |
Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better) | 110 | 145.05 | 42 | 120.33 | UCF |
Scoring Defense (lower better) | 98 | 28.5 | 26 | 17.8 | UCF |
Turnover Margin (higher better) | T-79 | -0.17 | T-57 | 0.17 | UCF |
3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | 128 | 0.310 | 100 | 0.365 | UCF |
4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better) | T-108 | 0.412 | T-37 | 0.650 | UCF |
3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | 38 | 0.341 | T-22 | 0.308 | UCF |
4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better) | T-121 | 0.714 | T-105 | 0.643 | UCF |
Red Zone Offense (higher better) | 27 | 0.938 | 49 | 0.895 | WVU |
Red Zone Defense (lower better) | T-46 | 0.808 | T-54 | 0.824 | WVU |
Net Punting | T-66 | 39.61 | 93 | 38.68 | WVU |
Punt Returns | T-76 | 8.11 | 75 | 8.13 | UCF |
Kickoff Returns | 56 | 21.50 | 17 | 27.30 | UCF |
First Downs Offense (higher better) | T-91 | 117 | T-70 | 126 | UCF |
First Downs Defense (lower better) | T-75 | 122 | 20 | 95 | UCF |
Fewest Penalties/Game (lower better) | T-64 | 6.17 | T-103 | 7.33 | WVU |
Fewest Penalty Yards/Game (lower better) | T-76 | 56.67 | T-76 | 56.67 | Even |
Time of Possession (higher better) | 130 | 26:15 | 42 | 31:10 | UCF |
Final Edge Totals: WVU 4 — UCF 20 — Even 1
On paper, the advantage leans heavily toward UCF. The Knights are more balanced on offense, more efficient defensively, and have a major edge in possession and scoring. For West Virginia to pull off the road win, it will need to control the tempo, protect the football, and capitalize on every trip inside the red zone.
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