:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69973675/1235700427.0.jpg)
The UCF Knights (2-2) are back home for the first time in almost a month, and begin the home conference schedule against Holton Ahlers and the East Carolina Pirates.
Let’s get ready:
Game Day Guide
When: 6 p.m. ET
Where: The Bounce House
Weather: Partly cloudy, low 80s, dropping into the upper 70s during the game.
Forecast for this afternoon isn't looking bad at all!
— Eric Burris (@EricBurrisWESH) October 9, 2021
A few showers south and east of the metro- that should be about it... pic.twitter.com/9BUw9sF6v4
Line: UCF -10 (60% of the money), Over/under 65.5 (OddsShark)
How to Watch
TV: ESPN+
Crew: Courtney Lyle and Brandon Weeden
Series
All-time: ECU leads 10-9. UCF has played ECU more than any other team in school history.
Last Meeting: 2020 - UCF 51, ECU 28
Keys to the Game
When UCF Has the Ball
UCF is going to continue to try and ease Mikey Keene into the offense. How much pressure falls on him will depend on how effective the running game. In terms of play-calling, expect a balanced load between running and passing with most passes to be in the shorter to medium range.
UCF’s Key Players to Watch
- #16 QB Mikey Keene — 20/33 233 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception
- #25 RB Johnny Richardson — 26 attempts 193 yards, 4 receptions 32 yards
ECU’s Key Players to Watch
- #21 DB Ja’Quan McMillian — 33 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 4 interceptions, 12 pass deflections
- #8 DL Immanuel Hickman — 14 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks
When ECU Has the Ball
Holton Ahlers is a gunslinger and will throw the ball a lot. Keaton Mitchell has exploded in 2021, averaging over 9.5 yards a carry, and is tied for 6th in the FBS in yards. He and stocky Rahji Harris deliver a thunder and lighting attack on the ground that has been very effective.
ECU’s Key Players to Watch
- #12 QB Holton Ahlers — 101/170, 1266 yards, 7 touchdowns, 5 interceptions
- #25 RB Keaton Mitchell — 60 attempts, 574 yards, 4 touchdowns, 14 receptions, 145 yards, 1 touchdown
UCF’s Key Players to Watch
- #30 LB Bryson Armstrong — 40 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass deflection
- #37 DB Quadric Bullard — 30 tackles, 1 pass deflection
Podcast
Listen to our latest podcast as we preview the game:
Predictions
Get our takes on today’s game in this week’s Roundtable:
Who ya got?
Alright #UCF fans - We're back home for the first time in almost a month today!
— BIG 12 BANNERET (@UCF_Banneret) October 9, 2021
WHO YA GOT?
Follow Along!
Follow our Twitter List and interact here:
Black & Gold Banneret has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.