UCF (2-0) vs. North Carolina (2-1), Saturday, 3:30 p.m., Fox
Latest line: UCF is favored by 6 1/2 points
Matt Murschel, UCF Knights writer: UCF 28, North Carolina 24
UCF is coming off a bye week following an impressive win over North Carolina A&T in which the Knights scored a season-high in points (68) and yards (560). The additional week off afforded the team extra time to prepare for what to expect from the Tar Heels. While coach Scott Frost has kept a starting quarterback decision close to the vest, it’s easy to assume that Tayven Jackson will be behind center. Either way, expect more explosive plays out of the Knights and hope that Jaden Nixon can replicate his stellar game against the Aggies.
Mike Bianchi, Sports Columnist: UCF 31, North Carolina 24
Who would have ever thought UCF would be favored by a touchdown when Bill Belichick was shockingly named North Carolina’s coach during the offseason. Just goes to prove that the old saying really is true: “It’s not about the X’s and O’s, it’s about the Jimmys and Joes.” And right now, it appears UCF’s Scott Frost has a few more Jimmys and Joes than does the Hoodie. Both first-year coaches are working with totally rebuilt rosters and have looked predictably erratic in their first few games. This could go either way, but it just feels like UCF is primed to make a statement at the Bounce House.
Adam Lichtenstein, College Football writer: Knights 27, Tar Heels 21
After being humiliated in a national spotlight game to open the year, UNC recovered with a pair of wins against overmatched opponents. South Alabama transfer Gio Lopez re-emerged as the starting quarterback, but he has not had inspiring performances — he completed just 56 percent of his passes against Richmond last week. UCF’s pass rush, which Pro Football Focus currently gives the eighth-best grade in the country, should make Lopez’s life difficult and potentially keep the Tar Heels’ offense from clicking.
