UCF is coming off its first bye week of the season after starting 2-0 in the new Scott Frost era. Not only have the Knights won two straight games, but Frost, between his first stint with the Knights and now his current one, has won 15 straight games at UCF, and this week is going for No. 16.
The Knights will welcome legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick, who is now with UNC, to the Bounce House this weekend. This is a big non-conference game for UCF, and a win would give them all the momentum they need as they head into Big 12 play.
UCF was projected to come in last in the Big 12 this season, so a win against UNC would mean they had an undefeated non-conference schedule, something other Big 12 teams have struggled to do.
The betting line for UNC vs. UCF has officially been released, and it may surprise a lot of people as the Knights are an early favorite over Belichick and his Tar Heels.
UNC vs. UCF early odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- UNC: +6.5 (-105)
- UCF: -6.5 (-115)
Moneyline
- UNC: +190
- UCF: -235
Total
- O/U 49.5 (-110/-110)
UNC vs. UCF early prediction
There are some questions surrounding this game when it comes to the quarterback position for both teams. After dealing wth an injury against TCU, UNC quarterback Gio Lopez has played against Charlotte and Richmond.
UCF quarterback Cam Fancher suffered an injury in the season opener against Jacksonville State, and backup Tayven Jackson got the start against North Carolina A&T. Jackson looked really good in his first official start with the Knights, and with a bye week, there is a question as to who will be the starter.
This game, however, is going to come down to the playmakers and the defense. UCF looked incredibly solid on defense against North Carolina A&T, and if UCF can look like that and figure out how to duplicate what TCU did against the Tar Heels, the Knights have a real chance at walking out of the Bounce House with a win.