PHILIP ROSSMAN-REICH

FILE - Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson throws before an NCAA college football game against Baylor Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State completed strong seasons this year to earn a trip to the Pop-Tarts Bowl,(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)

No. 19 NC State, Kansas State excited for opportunity to finish on winning note in Pop-Tarts Bowl

No. 19 North Carolina State and Kansas State completed strong seasons this year to earn a trip to the Pop-Tarts Bowl, however both teams now find themselves entering the showcase game without key players who are sitting out either to prepare for the NFL Draft or because they have entered the transfe

Appalachian State wide receiver Kaedin Robinson (2) runs past Miami (Ohio) defensive back Jacquez Warren (6) for yardage after a reception during the first half of the Cure Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Appalachian State slogs past Miami (Ohio) 13-9 in the rain-soaked Cure Bowl

Joey Aguilar threw for 211 yards and scored on an 8-yard run in the third quarter as Appalachian State beat Miami (Ohio) 13-9 on Saturday in the rain-soaked Avocados from Mexico Cure Bowl.

Central Florida wide receiver Xavier Townsend (3) breaks a tackle by Houston defensive back Malik Fleming (15) after catching a pass and scores a 28-yard touchdown on the play during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

UCF extends bowl streak, powers past Houston 27-13

R.J. Harvey rushed for 136 yards and his two second-half touchdowns powered UCF to its eighth straight season of bowl eligibility as the Knights wrapped up their first season in the Big 12 with a 27-13 win over Houston.

Central Florida running back RJ Harvey (7) dodges a tackle by Oklahoma State safety Trey Rucker, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

R.J. Harvey, UCF run past No. 15 Oklahoma State in 45-3 upset

R.J. Harvey had a 92-yard touchdown run and UCF’s defense forced four turnovers to help the Knights rout No. 15 Oklahoma State 45-3 on Saturday. Harvey rushed for 206 yards and three touchdowns to give him over 1,000 yards on the season.

Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II (0) runs for a touchdown against Cincinnati during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Stillwater, Okla. (AP Photo/Mitch Alcala)

No. 15 Oklahoma State aims for 6th straight win in road test vs Big 12 newcomer UCF

The Oklahoma State Cowboys are riding high after defeating Oklahoma in the final Bedlam rivalry game. In addition to vaulting into the Top 25, the 15th-ranked Cowboys are in the driver’s seat for a spot in the Big 12 championship game.

West Virginia quarterback Garrett Greene (6) watches as his touchdown is reviewed during the first half of an NCAA college football game Central Florida, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)

West Virginia grounds UCF down to score 41-28 Big 12 road win

Garrett Greene ran for three touchdowns, West Virginia’s defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions from cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr., to slow down the high-powered UCF offense and the Mountaineers beat the Knights 41-28.

UCF coach Johnny Dawkins addresses the media during the NCAA college Big 12 men's basketball media day Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Big 12 newcomer UCF eager to prove it can be competitive in one of nation’s toughest leagues

The UCF Knights are new kids on the block in the Big 12, a league known for its growing basketball prowess.

Central Florida head coach Gus Malzahn walks off the filed after losing to Baylor in an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Baylor stages remarkable comeback, ruins UCF Big 12 Conference home debut, 36-35

Baylor erased a 35-7 third-quarter deficit, scoring 29 unanswered points and taking the lead on a 25-yard field goal Isaiah Hankins with 1:21 left to play to beat Big 12 newcomer UCF 36-35 in the the Knights’ first conference home game.

UCF Knights defensive tackle Matthew Alexander (56) celebrates with teammates defensive end Josh Celiscar, left, and defensive end Malachi Lawrence, right, after taking Villanova Wildcats quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 16,2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Kevin Kolczynski)

UCF dominates Villanova in final tuneup before Big 12 debut

Timmy McClain and the Knights got to work early and dominated Villanova 48-14 to close their non-conference schedule as they look ahead to their first conference game as members of the Big 12 next week at Kansas State.

Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) rushes for a 17-yard touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Kent State, Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

UCF Knights get off to fast start in first Big 12 season, defeat Kent State 56-6 in opener

FILE - Central Florida quarterback John Rhys Plumlee (10) runs the ball during the second half against Duke in the Military Bowl NCAA college football game against Dec. 28, 2022, in Annapolis, Md. UCF opens their season at home against Kent State on Aug. 31. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams, File)

UCF opens Big 12 era at home vs. Kent State with Plumlee back and settled with quick-strike offense

UCF will open its first season as a member of the Big 12 against Kent State. The Knights are heavily favored to win their eighth straight home opener.