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Tale of the Tape: WVU vs UCF

Vernon Bailey Headshotby: Vernon Bailey10/16/25RivalsVernon
West Virginia's defense forces the fourth down against Robert Morris
West Virginia's defense forces the fourth down against Robert Morris - Credit: Ben Queen-Imagn Images

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

StatWVU RankWVU ValueUCF RankUCF ValueEdge
Total Offense75378.241423.0UCF
Rushing Offense25206.229200.3WVU
Passing Offense115172.074222.7UCF
Team Passing Efficiency109121.30106122.10UCF
Scoring OffenseT-10322.37228.3UCF
Total Defense (lower better)T-96389.524305.8UCF
Rushing Defense (lower better)T-88155.078148.3UCF
Passing Yards Allowed (lower better)83234.513157.5UCF
Team Passing Efficiency Defense (lower better)110145.0542120.33UCF
Scoring Defense (lower better)9828.52617.8UCF
Turnover Margin (higher better)T-79-0.17T-570.17UCF
3rd Down Conversion Pct (higher better)1280.3101000.365UCF
4th Down Conversion Pct (higher better)T-1080.412T-370.650UCF
3rd Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better)380.341T-220.308UCF
4th Down Conversion Pct Defense (lower better)T-1210.714T-1050.643UCF
Red Zone Offense (higher better)270.938490.895WVU
Red Zone Defense (lower better)T-460.808T-540.824WVU
Net PuntingT-6639.619338.68WVU
Punt ReturnsT-768.11758.13UCF
Kickoff Returns5621.501727.30UCF
First Downs Offense (higher better)T-91117T-70126UCF
First Downs Defense (lower better)T-751222095UCF
Fewest Penalties/Game (lower better)T-646.17T-1037.33WVU
Fewest Penalty Yards/Game (lower better)T-7656.67T-7656.67Even
Time of Possession (higher better)13026:154231:10UCF

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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