6 things to know as UCF faces USF on Black Friday

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Central Florida Knights will take on the University of South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on Friday.

The game kicks off at 4:15 p.m. Here are six things to know about the "War on I-4" showdown.

1. Having already clinched the east division title in the American Athletic Conference with its win over Cincinnati this past Saturday, UCF can cap off a second consecutive perfect regular season with a win at USF in the annual matchup on Friday. USF leads the all-time series, 6-3. 

2. The Knights and Bulls played one of the most electrifying games of 2017, a 49-42 UCF win at Spectrum Stadium last November. Mike Hughes' 95-yard kick return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.  

3. If UCF scores at least 30 points versus the Bulls on Friday, it'll mark the 24th consecutive game the Knights will have reached that number. The only other team to accomplish this feat since 1936 is USF, which scored at least 30 in 24 straight games from 2015-17.  

4. After beginning the season 7-0, USF has fallen on hard times recently, losing four straight. The Bulls are led by quarterback Blake Barnett, running back Jordan Cronkrite and wide receiver Tyre McCants.  

5. Few teams are better coming out of halftime than UCF. The Knights have held six of their 10 opponents scoreless in the third quarter this season. 

6. Following this Friday's matchup, the Knights will host the winner of this Friday's Houston-Memphis contest in next week's AAC championship game. The conference title tilt will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 1 from Spectrum Stadium. 
 


About the Author:

Ryan Welch joined the News 6 Team as a sports anchor and reporter in July 2017. After nearly 15 years in the industry, Ryan gladly brings his passion for sports to Central Florida.

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