Central Florida at Ohio State preview

An Ohio team will host Central Florida for the second consecutive week. Last week it was Akron, now it's Ohio State.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 56-10 win against Miami (Ohio), but should face a tougher task against UCF. This will be the first time the two teams will meet, but it's not the first time OSU coach Urban Meyer has faced UCF. In 2006, his Florida Gators beat UCF.

The tougher test for OSU will be because of the talent on UCF''s roster. The Knights have a legit talent at quarterback in Blake Bortles. Yes, it was against the Zips, but Bortles looked good in the opening week against Akron. He completed 13 of 16 passes for 168 yards and three touchdowns running shotgun and pro-style formations. He has NFL size and an arm to complete passes all over the field. Late in the Akron game, UCFalso played backup Tyler Gabbert. His brother, Blaine Gabbert, starred at Missouri before being a first-round draft pick.

The Knights are expected to be without running back Latavius Murray, who had 108 yards last week. He'll be replaced by Storm Johnson, a former top recruit at Miami.

On defense, UCF held up well against Akron's new fast break offense. The team was opportunistic, recovering three fumbles and intercepting a pass. The Knights are relatively inexperienced on defense and should have a tough time stopping OSU's game. Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller could be in for another big game.

Ohio State will win if: They play as they did last week, especially in the rush offense. On defense, Central Florida has about the same level of talent as Miami, which wore down quickly.

Central Florida will win if: Bortles and the offense controls the clock and grinds out a victory.

Prediction: Ohio State 31, Central Florida 10