UCF Knights Preview 2022: Season Prediction, Breakdown, Key Games, Players

UCF College Football Preview 2022: Team breakdown, season prediction, keys to the campaign, and what you need to know

UCF Knights Preview 2022: Previewing, predicting, and looking ahead to the UCF season with what you need to know and keys to the season.

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

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UCF Knights Preview
Head Coach: Gus Malzahn, 2nd year at UCF, 9-4
11th year overall, 86-42, 2021 Preview
2021 Record: Overall: 9-4, Conference: 6-3
Offense, Defense Breakdown | Keys To The Season
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
UCF Top 10 Players | UCF Schedule

UCF Knights Preview 2022

Obviously the bar has been set higher now at UCF than to just go 9-4 with a bowl win, but all things considered, 2021 wasn’t all that bad.

Oh sure, there wasn’t an American Athletic Conference championship, and the program had to kick back and groove on someone else from the league breaking the ceiling and getting to the College Football Playoff, but really, how much fun did Cincinnati have being served up as a light scrimmage for Alabama?

And how much fun did UCF Nation have getting to chest thump after beating Florida 29-17 in the Gasparilla?

Again, it’s relative – and of course UCF would’ve loved to have been on the big CFP stage – but it was a bit of a transitional season, the offense was without its two backfield stars – QB Dillon Gabriel and RB Isaiah Bowser – for most of the season, and the team still found a way to win games.

But now the Gus Malzahn era has to kick in full-force.

Yeah, UCF lost two early road games to Louisville and Navy by less than a touchdown in each, but it also had to scratch and claw to get past East Carolina, and Tulane, and USF.

And it got blowtorched by Cincinnati and SMU. That can’t happen this year – especially with both of those battles at home.

This year’s team is loaded with veterans, ol’ Gus rocked the transfer portal for a whole slew of new parts to play around with, and the schedule is about as favorable as could be asked for.

So now it’s time to get everything in place in Year Two under Malzahn for when it really counts in Year Three.

The program that rose up into the FBS world in 1996, became a part of the MAC in 2002, Conference USA in 2005, and the American Athletic in 2013 will get a seat at the adult table in 2023 when it moves into the Big 12.

There’s no more Tulane, or Temple, or Navy. At least for a year, it’s going to be Oklahoma, and Texas, and Oklahoma State, and a chance to be a part of the system rather than have to rail against it.

But first, this year’s team should have the ability to close out its time in the AAC with one more championship.

There might not be the Notre Dame type of game like Cincinnati had last year to propel it into the College Football Playoff discussion, but it would be fun to be good enough to engage in that fight.

Don’t be shocked if this year’s team is able to do just that. But more realistically, getting to the AAC Championship game will do as a next step up under Malzahn.

No, 2021 wasn’t all that bad, especially if it sets everything up for a massive 2022.

Offense, Defense Breakdown | Keys To The Season
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
UCF Top 10 Players | UCF Schedule

UCF Knights Preview 2022: Offense, Defense NEXT

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

UCF Knights Top 10 Players: College Football Preview 2022

Who are the top 10 UCF players going into the 2022 college football season?

UCF Knights Preview 2022: Who are the top 10 players going into the season?

– Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

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UCF Knights Preview 
UCF 2022 Preview
Offense, Defense Breakdown | Keys To The Season
Season Prediction, What Will Happen
UCF Schedule 

POLL: What should the Cardinals do at the center position?

The Cardinals are set to lose Rodney Hudson to retirement. Who should the team look to in his absence?

The Arizona Cardinals are faced with the possible retirement of three-time Pro Bowl center Rodney Hudson. It’s a huge blow for a team that will already be down their best offensive player for the first six games of the regular season, as receiver DeAndre Hopkins was suspended six games for testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance.

What do you believe the Cardinals should do in Hudson’s absence? Which of the following do you believe is the best option to step in?

They could roll with their current backup center, Sean Harlow. Justin Pugh, their starting left guard, is getting work at center to potentially change positions. Rookie Lecitus Smith is a possibility. They could also look to free agency.

What should they do? Vote in the poll and give your thoughts in the comments section below the article.

[polldaddy poll=11149042]

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

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Tommy Fury: Denial of entry into U.S. a ‘massive shock’

Tommy Fury: Denial of entry into the U.S. was a “massive shock.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.

Tommy Fury is in disbelief over the recent troubles he’s experienced trying to get to the U.S.

Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, was denied entry to the U.S. on Tuesday as he tried to fly out from London to attend a Wednesday press conference to promote his upcoming fight with Jake Paul. Homeland security told Fury he wasn’t allowed to travel. A report by TMZ indicates it’s due to his family’s ties with Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan, who is wanted by the U.S. government.

Shortly after the incident, Fury went on Instagram to give his side of the story.

“I wanted to come on here and set the record straight before anybody else tries to,” Fury explained. “Me and my team this morning arrived at Heathrow Airport ready for the press conference, ready to fly out, and as soon as I entered the airport, I got pulled to one side, and I was told by the Homeland Security officer that was there that my ESTA had been denied, and I wasn’t able to travel to the USA for a reason that I apparently know.

“I can stand here, and I say I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, and I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel to the USA.

“I’ve been training for the fight and like I said, that’s all I’ve been doing. I have no clue why they didn’t allow me to travel today, and neither any of my team nor my lawyers. So now I’m having to go to the embassies and all this sort of stuff trying to resolve it, and I’m in the middle of training. I don’t know why this has happened today. It’s a massive shock to me and my whole team. Obviously, it’s a matter that needs to be resolved. These government issues are a lot bigger than the fight right now, and I’m just trying to get it sorted.”

Fury wasn’t the only one who reacted to the news. His opponent, Paul, also had a few things to say as he took to Twitter to blast Fury and accused him of trying to back out of the fight.

“Tommy, no matter how hard you try to get out of this fight, I’m going to do everything in my power to not let you weasel your way out.

“My team and my partners have made it clear the steps you need to take to solve your latest excuse. Take them, or admit you’re a scared little b—h.”

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Tommy Fury: Denial of entry into U.S. a ‘massive shock’

Tommy Fury: Denial of entry into the U.S. was a “massive shock.”

Editor’s note: This article was originally published at MMAJunkie.com.

Tommy Fury is in disbelief over the recent troubles he’s experienced trying to get to the U.S.

Fury, the half-brother of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury, was denied entry to the U.S. on Tuesday as he tried to fly out from London to attend a Wednesday press conference to promote his upcoming fight with Jake Paul. Homeland security told Fury he wasn’t allowed to travel. A report by TMZ indicates it’s due to his family’s ties with Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan, who is wanted by the U.S. government.

Shortly after the incident, Fury went on Instagram to give his side of the story.

“I wanted to come on here and set the record straight before anybody else tries to,” Fury explained. “Me and my team this morning arrived at Heathrow Airport ready for the press conference, ready to fly out, and as soon as I entered the airport, I got pulled to one side, and I was told by the Homeland Security officer that was there that my ESTA had been denied, and I wasn’t able to travel to the USA for a reason that I apparently know.

“I can stand here, and I say I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong, and I have no clue why I’m not allowed to travel to the USA.

“I’ve been training for the fight and like I said, that’s all I’ve been doing. I have no clue why they didn’t allow me to travel today, and neither any of my team nor my lawyers. So now I’m having to go to the embassies and all this sort of stuff trying to resolve it, and I’m in the middle of training. I don’t know why this has happened today. It’s a massive shock to me and my whole team. Obviously, it’s a matter that needs to be resolved. These government issues are a lot bigger than the fight right now, and I’m just trying to get it sorted.”

Fury wasn’t the only one who reacted to the news. His opponent, Paul, also had a few things to say as he took to Twitter to blast Fury and accused him of trying to back out of the fight.

“Tommy, no matter how hard you try to get out of this fight, I’m going to do everything in my power to not let you weasel your way out.

“My team and my partners have made it clear the steps you need to take to solve your latest excuse. Take them, or admit you’re a scared little b—h.”

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USWNT sees off Colombia in 2-0 friendly win

A scrappy game delayed by lightning still saw the USWNT come out on top

The U.S. women’s national team took a scrappy 2-0 decision over Colombia Tuesday night in a lightning-delayed friendly at Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah.

With nine changes from the USWNT’s win over the weekend and Colombia not quite sitting as deep, a higher-tempo—but more ragged—game played out at Rio Tinto Stadium. The USWNT tested Catalina Pérez from distance several times and were denied by brave, last-ditch defending in the Colombia box on a frequent basis.

However, they took the lead when an attempt to do that went awry. Tidy work from Rose Lavelle and Alex Morgan moved the ball wide to Sofia Huerta, whose cross attempt was diverted into the goal by a lunging Manuela Vanegas for a 22nd minute own goal.

Colombia’s willingness to take more chances nearly produced a stunning equalizer, but Alyssa Naeher’s brilliant save denied Leicy Santos from 20 yards early in the second half.

A 49-minute lightning delay halted play in the 75th minute, and a more composed USWNT took the field. Pressing high, they doubled their lead just two minutes later on a precise strike from Kelley O’Hara, who came in at right back for Huerta just before the stoppage.

The friendly was the USWNT’s final warm-up before the CONCACAF W Championship, which kicks off in Mexico in six days. The U.S. will face Haiti on July 4 in their Group A opener.

See the USWNT goals

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1542003948571095040

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Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

Los Angeles FC (10-3-3) hosts FC Dallas (7-4-5) at Banc of California Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

LAFC played the Eastern Conference’s 2nd-best team, the New York Red Bulls, Saturday. Despite having fewer shots, LAFC won 2-0, scoring both goals within 4 minutes of each other in the 2nd half.

LAFC is led by F Carlos Vela and the team has recently announced the signing of international stars F Gareth Bale and D Giorgio Chiellini waiting to join the club.

While they’ve added a few international studs, FC Dallas may have one of the USA’s most-talented players in F Jesus Ferreira. The 21-year-old is tied for the most goals in the MLS this season with 9.

FC Dallas also took the pitch last weekend, taking a 2-0 second-half lead on Austin FC yet drawing on the road. FC Dallas is 2-2-4 on the road this season and 1-3-1 in their last 5.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Los Angeles FC vs. FC Dallas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:16 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Los Angeles FC -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | FC Dallas +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Draw +300
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +133)

[tipico]

Prediction

Los Angeles FC 2, FC Dallas 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN LOS ANGELES FC -140.

LAFC is absolutely the team to beat in the MLS right now. Even without Bale and company, they’re still the best team in the MLS. They’ve won 3 of their last 4 and are 4-1-1 at home over their last 6.

FC Dallas has been great this season and is deserving of a top-5 spot in the West, but on the road they’ve left quite a bit to be desired, going just 2-2-4. They’ve had as many or fewer expected goals in 6 of the 8 matches.

The opposite can be said for LAFC as they’ve had more expected goals in all but 1 game this season. Their record actually is a bit underwhelming considering how they’ve dominated games.

However, at this price, I’d still only place half a unit on the LAFC money line.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-165).

FC Dallas is a scoring machine that plays a high-pressure style.

That style bit them a few times Saturday as Austin FC had 2 goals despite just 1.2 expected goals. FC Dallas has scored in 5 of 8 road games and has allowed goals in 6 of 8.

Against LAFC, it’ll be a tougher mission, but the attack of Ferreira and F Paul Arriola, who has 8 goals on the season, should be able to get the roadside on the board.

Similarly, LAFC has not been shut out at home and has been limited to just 1 goal in 2 of 9 home matches this season. They’ve been dominant at home, but at this value, I’d prefer to couple the 2 sides together.

BEST BET: LAFC to win parlayed with OVER 1.5 goals (+105)

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Four former Notre Dame players named WNBA All-Stars

Which All-Star is your favorite?

[autotag]Muffet McGraw[/autotag] isn’t long removed from coach, so her legacy in form of WNBA players will continue for some time. Eventually, we hope to see the same effects from [autotag]Niele Ivey[/autotag]’s coaching. For now, Notre Dame fans should be pleased that four former Irish players have been named to the 2022 WNBA All-Star Game. No other university has more representation in this year’s event.

The number of Irish alumni in this year’s game became official with the announcement of the 12 reserves, On Saturday, they, along with the 10 selected starters, will be split up into teams captained by A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Breanna Stewart of the Seattle Storm. The teams then will face off in the game, which is being held in Chicago.

If you’re a Notre Dame women’s basketball enthusiast, you won’t be disappointed with this game. Here are the players for you to watch and reminisce about:

Ravens WR Devin Duvernay talks about what his speed can bring to Baltimore offense

Ravens wide receiver Devin Duvernay talked about what his speed can bring to the team’s offense

The Baltimore Ravens have undergone a bit of a shift at the wide receiver position during the 2022 offseason after trading away wideout Marquise Brown and seeing both Sammy Watkins and Miles Boykin depart. They still have talents such as Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, James Proche II, and Tylan Wallace, and each of those players will have to step up for quarterback Lamar Jackson as pass catchers.

Duvernay spoke to the media after one of Baltimore’s mandatory minicamp practices, and was asked if he feels his speed and explosive ability can open up things down the field for the Ravens’ offense. He said yes, talking about what his speed can bring to the team.

“Yes, of course, of course. I think I can stretch the field – me and ‘Bate’ [Rashod Bateman], for sure [can] stretch the field – make plays, down the field. And whenever ‘G-Ro’ [offensive coordinator Greg Roman] calls it, we’re ready.”

With Brown now in Arizona, Duvernay is currently the team’s No. 2 wideout. He established himself as a Pro Bowl and All-Pro punt returner in 2021, but also showed flashes as a wideout, catching 33 passes for 272 yards and two touchdowns. His speed will be a welcome asset in 2022, and he should be able to put up plenty of numbers with the amount of targets that are available to be picked up.

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

Toronto FC (5 wins, 8 losses, 3 draws) welcomes the Columbus Crew (4-5-6) to BMO Field Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Toronto FC has been disappointing this season, but it was a 5-game losing streak that really broke the camel’s back. They’ve yet to draw on the road and have 5-3-0 home record.

They’re captained by former USMNT M Michael Bradley. However, it’s F Jesús Jiménez who leads the team in scoring with 7 goals on the season. Toronto is allowing 1.88 goals per game.

The Crew have also struggled to find any rhythm this season. Columbus sits below Toronto in the standings due to their 6 draws. They haven’t been able to close out games well.

Having scored just 18 goals this season, the Crew are led by 2021 All-Star M Lucas Zelarayán with a team-high 4 goals. The Crew are 1-2-5 on the road this season.

Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:14 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Toronto FC +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Columbus Crew +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -125 | U: +102)

[tipico]

Prediction

Toronto 2, Columbus 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN TORONTO +165.

Toronto has been absolutely awful on the road this season, but they’ve shown some life at home.

They have won 2 straight home games and have defeated the top 2 teams in their conference, NYCFC and Philadelphia, at BMO Field. Toronto has scored multiple goals in 5 of 8 home matches.

Columbus is coming off a Saturday draw at Real Salt Lake, so the turnaround from West Coast time back to East Coast along with the traveling may also pose a challenge.

While Columbus has more shots than Toronto on the season, they rank last in the MLS in shots on target. They’ve consistently failed to complete chances, and that should continue into their battle Wednesday.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-140).

Toronto is sloppy defensively, and it’s been tough to watch at times this season.

They’ve allowed 13 goals in 8 home matches and have gone over this total in all but one home battle, a 1-0 loss to Orlando Ciity. Even Columbus has topped this total in 4 of its last 7.

The Crew haven’t converted chances often, but they do rank in the top half of the league in passing rate. Against a weak defense, they should be able to break through at least once as moving the ball up the field should be far easier than against most other sides.

Toronto has the 2nd-most shots against in the MLS. The volume chances will be there for Columbus, and both sides should be able to convert the opportunities.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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