Five Game Day Predictions For BYU Football Heading Into Boca Raton Bowl

BOCA RATON, Florida – Can you believe we’ve arrived at the finish line of the 2020 BYU football season? Before the start of the season, BYU tight end Matt Bushman said, “any games we get to play will be a bonus.” The Cougars have been cashing out bonuses this season as they prepare for their 12th and final game of the year.

Tonight’s game might be the toughest test to date against the UCF Knights. The Knights are 6-3 and are a program that believes they can’t win against anyone.

IT'S GAMEDAY!! pic.twitter.com/o4X97o3uRR

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 22, 2020

For BYU, the Cougars are looking to secure their 11th victory of the season, which would be a first for the program since 2009.

Here are five game day predictions for BYU as I continue to enjoy this 70-degree weather in Boca Raton. Sorry, everyone in Utah is battling the cold weather. I see now why people flock to the Sunshine State in the winter. Perfect conditions.

#1 Zach Wilson will continue to elevate his NFL Draft stock

Tuesday night could mark the end of Zach Wilson’s BYU career. The rising junior prospect is flying up NFL Draft boards, and he will face one of the best secondaries he has seen this season in UCF. UCF boasts a Jim Thorpe Award finalist in Richie Grant, who will look to make life difficult for the star BYU QB.

The Knights defense as a whole however, has given up a lot of points this year. UCF is allowing 31.4 points this season. Wilson will target Dax Milne and Isaac Rex early and often in this game and show why he might be the No. 2 in the 2021 Draft class behind Trevor Lawrence.

#2 BYU Football fans will outdraw UCF fans

The 6,000 fans in attendance for tonight’s Boca Raton Bowl is sold out. Don’t be surprised if there ends up being more BYU fans than UCF fans in attendance. This would be an impressive showing for Cougar fans as the Knights are only three hours away in Orlando.

IT'S SHOWTIME! 💪@BYUfootball @UCF_Football #RCBRB #BowlWeek #BocaBowl #ESPN pic.twitter.com/ycsnxIPWjU

— RoofClaim.com Boca Raton Bowl (@BocaBowl) December 22, 2020

#3 BYU gets valuable contributions from unexpected sources

Bowl games tend to have contributions from players no one is talking about heading into a game. BYU has praised its depth this year and has never complained about not being at full strength. Now at the finish line, the depth could be tested again, and to get a win over a quality Knights squad, unexpected contributions will step up in this game.

#4 BYU gets their first win in the state of Florida

The Cougars have never won in the Sunshine State. BYU is 0-8 all-time in Florida. That ends tonight.

📍 Boca Raton, Florida@BocaBowl | @BYUfootball #BYUvsUCF #GoCougs #BYU #RCBRB pic.twitter.com/xlxEQpE5kx

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) December 22, 2020

#5 Boca Raton Bowl Score Prediction

BYU 47, UCF 45

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m., KSL Newsradio). Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper and the KSL Sports app.