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Predictions / Week 8, 2026 / BYU at UCF

UCF vs BYU Prediction: Will BYU Cover -6.5?

Early projections. Games after Tuesday night may be updated on Wednesday.

Backdoor Cover’s model projects BYU -8.20 for BYU at UCF, 1.7 points off the market’s BYU -6.5, and gives BYU a 70% win probability.

Week8
DateSat, Oct 24
Kickoff3:30 PM
VenueFBC Mortgage Stadium, Orlando, FL
TVFox

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My model
BYU -8.20
BYU wins 69.8% of simulations
1.7
points apart
The market
BYU -6.5
the latest available line
Projected total
46.3
model leans Over 43.5
2.8
points apart
Market total
43.5
the latest available total

What this tells us

My model is more bullish on BYU than the market is. I have them winning by 8 points with a 70% win probability, while the market has them favored by just 6.5 points. Both of us think BYU wins, but I'm higher on them.

Model pick
BYU -6.5

The model's side at the current line. It isn't a bet. I only bet a small share of the model's picks.

About this gap

Games with a gap under 3 points covered 51.4% of the time in the backtest (883 games).

Model vs market Cover % Games
0–3 pts (this game) 51.4% 883
3–6 pts 53.9% 616
6–10 pts 54.6% 401
10+ pts 53.0% 181

Backtest: every game, weeks 2+ of 2023–25.

Weather at kickoff

76°F
temperature
17 mph
wind
44%
precipitation

Wind could affect the passing and kicking game; rain is in the forecast.

How the number is built

The model rates every FBS team on efficiency, adjusted for opponent, and refits every week. It predicts a score, which becomes a spread and a total. Backdoor Cover Picks are the few games I bet.

My track record starts with the 2026 season. Picks are posted before kickoff and graded once the game finishes.

Common questions

Who does the model project to win UCF vs BYU?

Backdoor Cover’s model projects BYU to win, with a 70% win probability.

What is the model’s predicted spread for BYU at UCF?

The model projects BYU -8.20 and the market has BYU -6.5, a gap of 1.7 points.

What side does the model favor against the spread?

BYU -6.5, at the current number. Backdoor Cover Picks may still pass on this game.

Recent meetings

2025 BYU 41, UCF 21 BYU won
2024 UCF 24, BYU 37 BYU won
2020 BYU 49, UCF 23 BYU won

How the model is doing. 203–178–7 against the spread (53.3%), 130–101 on totals (56.3%) and 285–103 straight up (73.5%) on every game this season, graded at DraftKings’ closing line.

Backdoor Cover Picks

Is BYU at UCF one of my picks? Subscribers see whether I’m betting it, and if so the side, the line and a recommended unit size.

My track record is on the Track Record page.

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Season predictions: BYU and UCF.

Published Oct 20, 2026. Numbers refreshed Oct 20, 2026.