There’s more than just inclement weather Colorado must worry about this weekend.

Facing a team coming off a bye week is a challenge in itself, but the Buffaloes have the added task of facing 3-0 Central Florida led by an explosive offense and an experienced coach.

Oh, and a hurricane is projected to hit Florida in the middle of the week.

Right now, CU is focused on preparing for Gus Malzahn’s Knights, who are a first-time opponent for the Buffs in the new-look Big 12.

Here’s an early look at what to expect from UCF:

Last time out

After blowout wins over an FCS opponent (New Hampshire) and another team that just recently became an FBS program (Sam Houston State), UCF narrowly squeaked out a 35-34 win on the road at TCU in the first Big 12 game of the season.

It was a game in which the Knights rallied from a 21-7 halftime deficit and a 31-20 deficit heading into the fourth quarter. A 20-yard pass from quarterback KJ Jefferson to wide receiver Kobe Hudson in the final minute sealed the comeback win as an extra point gave UCF its first lead of the night with 36 seconds left.

The Knights and Horned Frogs combined for nearly 1,000 yards of total offense and no turnovers in a game that was fitting of the reputation the Big 12 has earned over the years.

On offense

The Buffs defense has been the story of the season so far as first-year defensive coordinator Robert Livingston has transformed CU into a unit that owns the second half of games. CU has allowed only 19 points in second halves.

The UCF offense will be by far the toughest task they’ve faced in the first month of the season.

Led by a rushing attack that is No. 1 in the country with over 375 yards per game on the ground, the Knights have the Big 12’s top total offense and scoring offense through its first three games. RJ Harvey is one of several elite running backs in the conference, and he’s racked up 448 yards and eight touchdowns already.

Granted, some of those stats should be taken with a grain of salt given UCF’s opponents in the first two games of the season.

The good news for the Buffs is they’ve largely been solid against the run, looking much improved from last year when teams would regularly over the CU defensive line. The current defense is still prone to allowing big plays, like Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson’s 45-yard touchdown run last Saturday. With Jefferson also a strong running threat, CU will have its hands full.

On defense

Even if rain is once again in the forecast, the Buffs offense should be able to throw the ball against the UCF defense. The Knights rank near the bottom of the Big 12 in passing defense, although they are first in rushing defense. That dynamic should play to CU’s strengths with Shedeur Sanders at quarterback and a handful of weapons at wide receiver.

The UCF secondary has four interceptions early in the year, although those came in the first two weeks against less-than-stellar offenses.

Defensive lineman Lee Hunter was preseason all-Big 12 and could cause issues for a CU offensive line that allowed eight sacks against Baylor.

The UCF Knights file

Record: 3-0 (1-0 Big 12)

Head coach: Gus Malzahn (4th season)

Co-Offensive coordinators: Tim Harris Jr. (1st season) and Darin Hinshaw (2nd season)

Defensive coordinator: Ted Roof (1st season)

Names to know: QB KJ Jefferson, RB Peny Boone, RB RJ Harvey, WR, Kobe Hudson, DL Lee Hunter, LB Ethan Barr, DB, Sheldon Arnold, DB Deshawn Pace

Betting line: Colorado +14