NDL Season 31 Big XII Conference Championship Game Preview: #8 Central Florida Knights vs. #1 Colorado Buffaloes
The NDL Season 31 Big XII Conference Championship promises to be an electrifying matchup between two powerhouse teams: the #8 Central Florida Knights and the #1 Colorado Buffaloes. With only one game standing between them and the coveted conference title, both teams will be aiming to prove that they are the best of the best in a season full of intensity and high-level play. The Buffaloes come into this game with a slight edge, having won the previous matchup in Week 5, 28-21, but both teams have evolved and grown since then, promising an exciting clash in the championship.
Key Game Recap: Week 5 Matchup - Colorado 28, UCF 21
In Week 5, the Buffaloes traveled to Orlando and secured a 28-21 victory over the Knights. The game was hard-fought, but Colorado’s defense, led by CB Preston Hodge, sealed the win in the fourth quarter with a crucial interception returned for a touchdown. Despite being held to no passing touchdowns, QB Shedeur Sanders managed the game well, and RB Dallan Hayden contributed two rushing touchdowns, helping to overcome a late-game push from UCF.
Central Florida’s star RB RJ Harvey was effective but not dominant, rushing for 92 yards and a touchdown in the loss. UCF’s QB Jacurri Brown, though efficient, wasn’t able to break through against Colorado’s stout defense, and the Knights’ passing game was nearly nonexistent. Still, with the 7-point loss in mind, UCF will surely look to exact revenge, hoping to capitalize on the lessons learned from that game.
Offensive Comparisons: A Tale of Two Styles
Colorado Offense:
Colorado’s offense has been one of the most potent in the NDL, racking up 4,983 total yards and 475 points on the season. QB Shedeur Sanders, a steady and effective presence, has passed for 3,305 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions. His ability to control the game through the air will be crucial, especially against a UCF defense that has allowed 2,719 passing yards this season. Sanders has a dynamic weapon in star receiver Travis Hunter, who has been a major factor both in the air and on the defensive side of the ball. With 1,368 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, Hunter can take over a game at any moment, and his ability to create mismatches on the outside will be a key storyline in the championship game.
The Buffaloes also possess a strong rushing attack, with 1,678 yards on the ground. Although they only managed 97 yards rushing in the first matchup, Colorado's ability to balance their offensive approach and wear down opponents with both the pass and run makes them a tough opponent.
Central Florida Offense:
UCF’s offense is all about power and control, led by the dynamic running back RJ Harvey. Harvey has had an exceptional season, rushing for 1,796 yards and 23 touchdowns while also adding 282 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. UCF has relied heavily on their ground game, with a staggering 3,227 rushing yards as a team this season. The Knights' rushing attack has been their bread and butter, and they’ll look to impose their will against a Colorado defense that has allowed 1,280 yards rushing. With a potential mismatch in the trenches, Harvey could be in line for a huge performance if UCF’s offensive line dominates.
However, UCF’s passing game has been less than impressive this season, with just 981 passing yards on 75 attempts. QB Jacurri Brown has been efficient, with only 2 interceptions on the season, but his lack of production through the air could prove problematic against a Colorado defense that is adept at forcing turnovers. Brown’s ability to avoid mistakes will be paramount in the championship game, as UCF cannot afford to be one-dimensional in such a high-stakes game.
Defensive Breakdown: Colorado’s Toughness vs. UCF’s Opportunistic Playmakers
Colorado Defense:
On the defensive side, Colorado has been nearly impenetrable this season, allowing only 206 total points and 3,763 yards. The Buffaloes are ranked in the top 10 in total yards allowed and have been a ball-hawking unit, with 25 interceptions on the season. Colorado’s defense has shown the ability to force turnovers at key moments, and that could be a huge factor in the championship game. In their first meeting, CB Preston Hodge made an enormous impact with a late-game pick-six. With the ability to score from anywhere on the field, Colorado's defense is a constant threat to turn the tide in their favor.
UCF will need to find a way to protect the football, as the Buffaloes are among the best in forcing turnovers. Colorado’s defensive front is also effective against the run, and their ability to stifle Harvey’s production could be the difference-maker.
Central Florida Defense:
Central Florida’s defense has been equally impressive, allowing only 211 points and 3,568 yards on the season. The Knights have been great at stopping the run, allowing only 849 rushing yards, but they’ve been more vulnerable against the pass, giving up 2,719 yards. UCF’s defense is also known for creating turnovers, with an incredible 42 interceptions and 47 total turnovers forced. LB Andrew Harris has been a menace all season, with 79 tackles and 20 interceptions, including 9 defensive touchdowns. Harris is a game-changer, and if he can disrupt Sanders or make a play in the secondary, UCF could find a way to flip the script on the Buffaloes.
Travis Hunter: The X-Factor
As if Colorado didn’t have enough firepower with Sanders and Hayden, they also have one of the most complete players in the NDL in Travis Hunter. Hunter has dominated both as a wide receiver (1,368 yards, 14 touchdowns) and as a defensive playmaker (51 tackles, 3 interceptions). His dual-threat ability allows the Buffaloes to attack UCF from all angles, whether it’s through the air or on defense. Hunter’s size, speed, and football IQ make him one of the most dangerous players on the field, and his ability to take over a game could be the deciding factor in this championship battle.
Final Thoughts:
The Colorado Buffaloes are the favorites, but the Central Florida Knights have the ability to pull off an upset. UCF's strength lies in their powerful running game, led by Harvey, while Colorado’s offense is more balanced with the pass and run. The Buffaloes’ defense, though potent, will have to deal with a very different challenge from UCF this time around, as Harvey could be a game-changer. Colorado’s ability to stop the run, along with Hunter’s impact on both sides of the ball, gives them the edge.
Ultimately, the game may come down to which team can control the tempo and avoid turnovers. If UCF can establish Harvey early and keep Sanders off the field, they have a chance. However, Colorado’s offense is too well-rounded, and with Hunter potentially making the difference, the Buffaloes are poised to take home the Big XII Championship.
Prediction: Colorado 31, Central Florida 24
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE:
WHOS ONLINE:
, shel311 and 0 Guests in the last 5 minutes Legend: NDL Admin | Conference Commish | Media Team | NDL Coaches
NDL Hall of Fame:
644 Coaches Newest Member: Tank662
HOME
Discord