Bethune-Cookman @ UCF preview

Saturday appears to be a golden opportunity for host Central Florida to step into the win column, but Josh Reese cautioned his teammates not to overlook FCS member Bethune-Cookman. “I tell those guys don’t look at it as, ‘Oh, that’s Bethune,’” Reese, a wide receiver, told the Orlando Sentinel. “A lot of those guys have potential to play here or other (Division I) schools or actually did and transferred so it’s not like we're playing a sorry team.” Besides, after season-opening setbacks to Penn State and No. 19 Missouri, the Knights can’t afford to fall to 0-3.

One area of concern is finding ways to better protect quarterback Justin Holman, who was sacked five times by Missouri. Another is third-down defense which has been quite benevolent. Central Florida has allowed opponents to convert 20-of-32 on third down, a 62 percent success rate which ranks last in the FBS.

TV: 6 p.m. ET, ESPN3. LINE: None

ABOUT BETHUNE-COOKMAN (2-0): The Wildcats cranked out 231 yards rushing in their 36-23 victory over Grambling last week behind a talented backfield that includes Anthony Jordan and Danny Dillard, a transfer from Miami (Fla.). Quarterback Quentin Williams has been steady in completing 21-of-35 and one touchdown. Defensive end Erik Williams leads the Wildcats with seven tackles for a loss, including four sacks.

ABOUT CENTRAL FLORIDA (0-2): It looks like the Knights have a keeper at quarterback in Holman, who finished 22-of-36 for 209 yards and a touchdown against Missouri in his first start. Holman’s key targets are wide receivers J.J. Worton and Rannell Hall, who have combined for 16 receptions for 188 yards in two games. The Knights’ defense held Penn State and Missouri to a combined 235 yards rushing.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Central Florida owns a 10-5 record against Bethune-Cookman, winning its last six contests.

2. Central Florida CB Jacoby Glenn has 15 tackles, two interceptions and two pass break-ups.

3. Bethune-Cookman has registered nine sacks while giving up 10 to its opponents.

PREDICTION: Central Florida 36, Bethune-Cookman 14