UCF Knights vs. B-CU: TV info, betting odds, keys
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Bethune-Cookman at UCF
Where:Acrisure Bounce House Stadium, Orlando
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Weather: 86 degrees with a 65% chance of precipitation.
Latest line: UCF by 42.5 points
Coaches:Scott Frost is 24-14 at UCF, 40-45 overall; Raymond Woodie is 11-24 at B-CU, 11-24 overall.
Quick slant: This is the 18th meeting between the two programs, but the first since the 2021 season opener. … UCF has won eight straight and 12 of the last 13 games against Bethune-Cookman, with the last Knights’ loss coming in 1989. … The last time these two met, quarterback Dillon Gabriel tossed two touchdown passes and running back Isiah Bowser rushed for four scores as UCF romped, 63-14 on Sept. 11, 2021. … The Knights have won eight straight games against Football Championship Subdivision teams and hold a 28-1 overall record against FCS foes, with the only loss coming against Furman in 2015.
About UCF (0-0, 0-0 Big 12): After a 5-7 season following his return to the program after an eight-year absence, Frost went to work remodeling the roster. The Knights searched for veterans with experience, adding 57 newcomers, most of whom arrived via the transfer portal. That included starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, receiver Josh Derry and safety Ty Bartrum. While the offense returns a handful of starters, it’s the defense that features a wealth of experience, mostly at linebacker and secondary.
About B-CU (0-0, 0-0 SWAC): Bethune-Cookman opened the season with three straight blowout losses before winning five of its next six games. A 38-34 win over in-state rival Florida A&M in the Florida Classic snapped a four-game losing streak to the Rattlers and helped the Wildcats finish 6-6. It was the most wins by a B-CU team since the 2019 season. Quarterback Cam’Ron Ransom finished with more than 2,000 yards of combined offense and 19 total touchdowns.
3 things to watch
1. The departures of Timmy McClain and Ransom mean the Wildcats will have a new starting quarterback for the first time since 2023. Tyler Jefferson, a transfer from FAMU, beat out fellow transfer Amarie Jones (FIU) and freshman Joel Morris to earn the starting nod.
2. UCF averaged 32.6 points in the seven games at the Bounce House last season, while averaging just under 13 points away from Central Florida. The Knights are 90-32 overall at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium since its opening in 2007.
3. UCF’s Dylan Wade needs four touchdowns to become the program’s FBS leader for receiving touchdowns at the tight end position. Jordan Akins holds the all-time record with eight from 2014-17
Please find me on X, Bluesky or Instagram at @osmattmurschel. Email: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Sign up for the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly newsletter for a roundup of all our UCF coverage.
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