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3d ago

UCF–UNC Draws National Spotlight With Knights Favored for Week 4

Bill Belichick’s first marquee road test arrives with UCF weighing its starting quarterback.

UCF Knights running back Jaden Nixon (5) breaks a long run for a touchdown during the college football game at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel)
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North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick discusses a call with the officials during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Richmond, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)
North Carolina quarterback Gio Lopez (7) looks to pass during the first half an NCAA college football game against Richmond, Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Photo/Chris Seward)

Overview

  • Saturday’s game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on Fox from Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in Orlando, with UCF a 6.5-point favorite.
  • Cam Fancher returned to practice for UCF this week, though Scott Frost has not named a starter as Tayven Jackson remains an option.
  • Through two games, UCF ranks top 30 nationally in scoring, total offense and total defense, including a 98.5 yards-per-game pass defense, and is coming off a 68-7 win and a bye.
  • UNC rebounded from a lopsided opener with wins over Charlotte and Richmond behind improved defense, a run-first approach with freshman back Demon June, and a still-developing passing game for QB Gio Lopez.
  • Belichick referred to UCF as “Central” earlier this week, and the Knights’ social team playfully changed its X bio to “Central Football,” adding spice to a matchup framed as a measuring stick for both programs.