Behind a relentless defense, record-setting drives, and a career night from quarterback Tayven Jackson, the UCF Knights rolled past North Carolina 34–9 on Saturday at the Acrisure Bounce House. The win moved UCF to 3–0 on the season, marking the third consecutive year the Knights have opened with that record.
The matchup was the first-ever between the programs, and UCF wasted no time in making history. The Knights held UNC without a touchdown in the first half, a defensive feat they had not achieved against an ACC opponent since 2011. UCF also became the first Big 12 school this year to secure a victory over legendary head coach Bill Belichick, now in his first season leading the Tar Heels.
Quarterback Tayven Jackson turned in a career performance, breaking his single-game records in both rushing and completions. Jackson rushed for a career-high 66 yards, including a 25-yard run that was his longest to date, and added his eighth career rushing touchdown. Through the air, he connected with nine different receivers, marking the first time since 2024 that UCF has spread the ball that widely.
Tight end Kylan Fox hauled in his first career touchdown on a 13-yard strike in the second quarter, while running back Myles Montgomery punched in his first rushing score of the season. The Knights’ offensive highlight came on a grueling 18-play, 93-yard drive that lasted more than ten minutes—the program’s longest in both time and plays since 2012.
UCF’s defense suffocated UNC early, forcing turnovers and preventing rhythm. Freshman Nyjalik Kelly recorded his first career interception after a tipped ball in the opening quarter, while Braeden Marshall added another in the second for his third career pick. Sincere Edwards notched his first full sack of the season, and linebacker Lewis Carter set a new personal best with 10 tackles.
The Knights’ defense has now held every opponent this season scoreless on their opening drives and without a touchdown in the first half, extending an early-season trend of dominance.
Kicker Noe Ruelas remained steady, drilling a season-long 41-yard field goal in the second quarter and finishing 2-for-2 on the night for the second straight game. Ruelas has now converted multiple field goals in back-to-back contests, providing consistency when drives stalled.
Frost’s Streak Grows, Belichick’s Tar Heels Struggle
The victory marked head coach Scott Frost’s third straight win since returning to UCF, bringing his career record at the school to 22–7. Frost’s Knights are now a perfect 8-for-8 on fourth-down conversions this season, a testament to the team’s confidence and execution.
On the opposite sideline, Bill Belichick’s UNC squad dropped to 2–2. The Tar Heels struggled to adjust against UCF’s pressure defense and failed to find the end zone until late, a stark reminder that Belichick’s rebuilding project in Chapel Hill will take time.
Looking Ahead
UCF’s 34–9 win improves the Big 12’s record against the ACC to 6–1 this season and gives the Knights valuable momentum heading into conference play. The Black and Gold will aim to extend their unbeaten start when they return to action on October 4.
