Orlando, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Almost nine months to the day that Scott Frost was hired as UCF's head coach, the Knights will take on the South Carolina State Bulldogs to open the 2016 campaign at Bright House Networks Stadium. Below are some key facts and information about Saturday's season opener:
- Scott Frost will coach his first game as a head coach. He is the 10th head coach in program history.
- The Knights will wear white jerseys at home for the first time since 1984.
- UCF has won seven of its last eight home openers.
- This will be only the second time the Knights have faced the Bulldogs. The previous matchup was back in 2008, in which UCF earned a 17-0 victory.
- This season marks the 10th season the Knights have played at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Key offensive and defensive stats heading into the content:
- Senior quarterback Justin Holman enters this weekend's contest ranked eighth in the program's all-time record book in attempts (656), completions (359), passing yards (4,406) and touchdowns (31).
- In 2015, the Knights were led by American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year Tre'Quan Smith, who set UCF freshmen records with 52 receptions for 724 yards. He was the first UCF freshman in school history to lead his team in both of those categories.
- Six of UCF's top seven tacklers return from last season.
- The Knights return all eight defensive backs that played in the Knights' secondary last season.
Marc's Minute
Above, is a new video preview of the Knights' season opener with UCF's Director of Broadcasting, Marc Daniels. Check out what players Daniels is looking forward to watching against South Carolina State.
Weather Report
Saturday's forecast calls for a 60 percent chance of rain with scattered thunderstorms expected throughout the day. The projected high is 87 and the projected low is 73. Temperature around kickoff is expected to be around 76 degrees.
UCF Concert Series
Saturday marks the debut of the inaugural UCF Tailgate Concert Series presented by 96.9 The Game and iHeartRadio. Gin Blossoms will headline the first show that begins at 5:00 p.m. at IOA Plaza. Admission is free to all fans in attendance.
Links/Media Coverage
UCFKnights.com – Day By Day
Orlando Sentinel - Veteran UCF FB assistant Sean Beckton excited for new Scott Frost era
Orlando Sentinel - Former Mainland running back Adrian Killins calls UCF offense special
UCFsports.com - Walters feels UCF has talent to compete
The Times and Democrat - S.C. State Coach Pough: New staff getting team ready
Clear Bag Policy
A new clear bag policy will be implemented at Bright House Networks Stadium for this season. Any bags entering the stadium must be clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12". For more information on the new clear bag policy click here.
New Experiences
The game day experience inside Bright House Networks Stadium will be unlike anything it has been like before. Fans will get to experience a new video board, the new knight walk and much more. Click here to read more about all of the new game day items at BHNS.
Radio/TV/Video
Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. inside Bright House Networks Stadium. The game will broadcast on ESPN3 and in Orlando on radio station 96.9 FM/740 AM, and is also available on the iHeart app and the UCF game day app. Radio coverage will begin at 5:00 p.m. To watch the game on ESPN3 click here.
Parking