North Carolina vs. UCF Live Game Thread

North Carolina looks to build its momentum and pick up a huge road win over UCF.

Carolina (2-1) has bounced back after an embarrassing season-opening loss to TCU, posting consecutive wins over Charlotte and Richmond by a combined 61-9. In both games, the Tar Heels did not allow a touchdown, the first time they have done so in back-to-back contests since 2012. With a win over UCF, it could provide the boost needed for Bill Belichick's squad going into conference play.

The UNC offense will be led by quarterback Gio Lopez who has 417 total yards and four total touchdowns. True freshman tailback Demon June leads the Tar Heels with 200 yards and a touchdown through two games played. Jordan Shipp has recorded 10 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

Its defense is led by linebackers Andrew Simpson and Khmori House. Cornerback Thaddeus Dixon is among the best in the ACC.

UCF (2-0) is coming off a bye week and is strong on both sides of the ball. The Knights rank 21st in total offense, averaging 491 yards per game, and 26th in total defense, allowing 261 yards per game. They narrowly defeated Jacksonville State 17-10 in the opener before routing North Carolina A&T 68-7 in Week 2.

The Knights have one of the best running back duos in the Big 12 with Jaden Nixon and Myles Montgomery. On defense, Nyjalik Kelly and former Tar Heel Rodney Lora lead ann extremely deep defensive line

UCF is once again under the direction of Scott Frost, now in his second tenure as head coach. Frost previously led the Knights for two seasons, highlighted by a perfect 13-0 campaign in 2017 that earned UCF a No. 6 finish in the AP Top 25. He then left for Nebraska, where he was dismissed three games into the 2022 season, before taking a brief hiatus from coaching. Frost returned to UCF in December 2024.

Injury Update

UNC FB injury updates:

- Veteran OL Austin Blaske is warming up. We saw him in pads walking around Kenan on Thursday. Assuming he plays, will be a huge addition for the Tar Heels at center.
- That said, have yet to see him snap the ball.
- Still not seeing DL Pryce Yates.
— Shelby Swanson (@shelbymswanson) September 20, 2025

1st Quarter

UCF 7, North Carolina 0 (8:23)

UCF takes the first lead of the game after a 13-yard touchdown run by QB Tayven Jackson. The drive was 13 plays, 75 yards.

UCF was 3-for04 on 3rd down during that drive.

UCF 10, North Carolina 0 (4:51)

Huge win by UNC's defense as they force UCF to a 3-and-out with their backs against the wall. The Knights extend their lead to two touchdowns after a 46-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas.

End of 1Q - UCF 10, North Carolina 0

UNC has been outgained 114 to 2. The Tar Heels have only thrown for 13 yards and have -11 rushing yards.

Carolina's defense hasn't been much better as it has allowed UCF to convert on four of its six third down conversions.

UCF 13, North Carolina 0 (10:03)

The Knights extend its lead after a 41-yard field goal by Noe Ruelas.

UCF had 14 plays for 42 yards for nearly an 8-minute span.

UCF 13, North Carolina 0 (05:27)

Gio Lopez threw his second pick of the game. Costly interception considering it was in the red zone.

UCF 13, North Carolina 3 (01:23)

North Carolina gets its first points on the board after a 40-yard field goal from Rece Verhoff.

UCF 20, North Carolina 3 (0:13)

North Carolina was flagged for defensive holding and roughing the passer, two costly penalties that extended the drive. The Tar Heels capitalized when Tayven Jackson found a wide-open Kylan Fox for a 17-yard touchdown. It capped a rough first half for UCF.

HALFTIME - UCF 20, North Carolina 3

3rd Quarter

UCF 27, North Carolina 3 (9:51)

UCF extends its lead after a 1-yard touchdown run from Myles Montgomery to cap off a six-play, 64-yard drive. The Knights are running away with this one and it could get much worse.

UCF 27, North Carolina 3 (6:48)

Gio Lopez injured. Max Johnson now at QB for North Carolina.

UCF 27, North Carolina 9 (1:06)

Max Johnson finds Kobe Paysour for an 8-yard TD pass to get the Tar Heels into the end zone for the first time today but the 2-point conversion fails.

End of 3rd Quarter - UCF 27, North Carolina 9

4th Quarter

UCF 34, North Carolina 9

UCF running back Jaden Nixon's 1-yard touchdown run wraps it up

Final Score - UCF 34, North Carolina 9

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