Tampa, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF Knights (6-5, 4-3) look to close out the regular season against the USF Bulls (9-2, 6-1) in the War On I-4 rivalry series Saturday at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Kickoff is set for noon. Below are some key facts and statistics about this weekend's matchup:
Match-Up Facts:
- This will be the first time these two squads will face each other as part of the officially recognized War On I-4 rivalry series. The winner of the game will keep a traveling trophy. There will also be a traveling trophy that will go to the school that wins the overall series.
- A victory by either team will earn 6 points in the War On I-4 rivalry series. UCF currently leads the series 15-9.
- Overall, this will be the eighth matchup between the two teams. USF holds the overall series lead at 5-2.
- The Knights have won two of the last three matchups.
- The last time UCF traveled to Tampa the Knights earned a 16-0 victory, which was the first-ever home shutout loss for the Bulls.
Key Offensive and Defensive Statistics:
- Redshirt sophomore receiver Tre'Quan Smith continues to lead the Knights in receiving with 47 receptions for 625 yards and three scores.
- Defensively, the Knights rank 3rd in the American Athletic Conference in total defense, giving up 21.9 points per game.
- UCF has one of the top pass defenses in the AAC as well, giving up only 204.8 yards per game through the air. That's good for 2nd in the conference.
- The Knights will face a USF squad that is ranked 1st in the conference in total offense, scoring 43.2 points per game.
Marc's Minute:
UCF Director of Broadcasting Marc Daniels looks back at some of the past matchups between UCF and USF and talks about the crucial matchups in this weekend's contest.
Weather Report:
Saturday's forecast in Tampa calls for a ten percent chance of rain. The projected high is 81 degrees and the projected low is 57 degrees. Temperature around kickoff time is expected to be 79 degrees.
Media Links/Coverage:
UCFKnights.com – War On I-4 Trophy Revealed
UCFKnights.com – On To USF
Orlando Sentinel – UCF offense eager to deliver against rival USF
Tampa Bay Times - UCF twins Shaquem and Shaquill stay the course, reap benefits
Radio/TV/Video
Kickoff is set for noon at Raymond James Stadium. The game will broadcast on the CBS Sports Network and in Orlando on radio station 96.9FM/740 AM. It's also available on the iHeart app and the UCF Knights app. Radio coverage will begin at 10:00 a.m.