Florida International @ Central Florida preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 6, 2013 ) Central Florida 38, Florida International 0

UCF has plenty of holes to fill if it is to reach a bowl game for the fourth straight season and should get an early test from visiting Florida International of Conference USA on Thursday. Quarterback Justin Holman and two-time All-American Athletic Conference running back William Stanback key the Knights against an experienced FIU defense, which recorded 33 takeaways in 2014.

Coach George O’Leary led UCF to a 31-9 record the last three seasons, but must replace the team's top four receivers along with seven starters on defense. “I think it’s a big season for the team because everybody knows that we lost a lot of people, and they think we’re gonna have a drop-off year,” UCF linebacker Errol Clarke told the Orlando Sentinel. “We’re here to show that we have the same identity as all the other years.” The Knights look to tie the school record with their 11th straight win at home while facing a team which returns 17 starters. Quarterback Alex McGough begins his second season at the helm for FIU, supported by standout tight end Jonnu Smith.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network. LINE: UCF –14

ABOUT FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (2014: 4-8): McGough completed 50.4 percent of his passes as a freshman with 14 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions and Smith boasts 100 receptions and 1,098 yards over the last two years. Returnees Alex Gardner, who missed some time with a shoulder injury, and Anthon Samuel each finished with 582 yards rushing in 2014. Ends Michael Wakefield (eight sacks last season) and Denzell Perine (6.5 sacks), along with corner Richard Leonard (five interceptions), lead the Golden Panthers’ defense.

ABOUT UCF (2014: 9-4): Holman did not win the job coming out of camp last season, but took over early on and finished with 23 TD passes and 14 interceptions while averaging 227.1 yards through the air. Stanback was hampered by nagging injuries throughout 2014, recording 697 yards rushing and 10 scores, and Jordan Akins (12 catches) is the top returning wide receiver. Thomas Niles (7.5 sacks) leads three returning starters on the defensive line and center Joey Grant, who had offseason shoulder injury, keys an experienced offensive line for the Knights.

EXTRA POINTS

1. UCF, who owns at least a share of two straight AAC titles, has won seven straight home openers since a 35-32 defeat against Texas in 2007.

2. FIU is 5-19 under coach Ron Turner the last two years, but the Panthers dropped four games by a total of 11 points last season.

3. The Knights beat FIU 38-0 in Miami two years ago in the last meeting and has won two of the three matchups in the series.

PREDICTION: UCF 27, FlU 17