Overview

• Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET at Acrisure Bounce House on Fox, with UCF a 6.5-point favorite, in the first meeting between the programs.
• UCF quarterback Cam Fancher returned to practice this week, though Scott Frost has not named a starter; Tayven Jackson would likely start if Fancher sits.
• The Knights allow about 98.5 passing yards per game and have five sacks with 12 hurries, testing Gio Lopez, who is completing 44% of passes when pressured and has been sacked four times.
• UNC leans on freshman Demon June after his 148-yard first start and 200 yards in two games, with improved protection from a largely new offensive line a stated priority.
• Carolina’s defense enters on an upswing, including a 90.6 PFF team grade versus Richmond and no touchdowns allowed since late in the TCU game, as it prepares for UCF’s top-20 rushing attack led by Jaden Nixon, Myles Montgomery and Jacurri Brown.