UCF is trying something a little different for its Big 12 home opener: an “unlimited hot dogs” ticket.
The Knights will host TCU on Saturday at the Bounce House, and the promotion starts at $64. It includes limitless hot dogs, with two allowed per trip, through halftime. UCF is clearly hoping the gimmick helps fill the stadium for its conference opener, even if the price point is a steep jump from the $12 standard admission ticket.
The school already has a cheaper food option on game day, too. Its “Bounce House Box” comes with a hot dog, chips and water for $5 with a valid student ID.
One dog? Fine.
A second? Fair enough.
But the all-you-can-eat route is a much bigger commitment.
On the field, TCU comes in at 2-1 after lopsided wins over Grambling State and Arkansas State and is a 3-point favorite. UCF will again be without quarterback Alonza Barnett III, who is dealing with a right hamstring injury suffered in the Week 2 loss at Pittsburgh.
That has put more pressure on backup Keyone Jenkins, who completed seven passes for 86 yards with one touchdown and one interception in last week’s 44-30 win over Georgia State. UCF was down 24-20 at halftime, while Cameran Brown had the stronger statistical day in the loss, throwing for 282 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
TCU, meanwhile, is still working through the memory of its Week 1 loss to North Carolina in the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin, a 15-10 game that opened its season. Harvard transfer Jaden Craig has settled in quickly since then, posting a 337-yard, three-touchdown outing against Arkansas State and coming close to the 400-yard mark for a second straight week. Wide receiver Jordan Dwyer, who missed the start of the season, is listed as questionable for the trip to Orlando.
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UCF Enters Big 12 Play With One Passing Game Concern
UCFs offense has looked plenty capable on the ground in non-conference play, but the passing game hasnt quite kept pace as the Knights head into Big 12 action. Alonza Barnett III and Keyone Jenkins have combined for 472 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions over three games, a line that reflects a unit still searching for consistency while offensive coordinator Steve Cooper tries to find a better balance.
The challenge only gets sharper now, with Barnett sidelined by a hamstring injury and Jenkins settling into the starting job. Cooper has made it clear he wants more production through the air and a more active role for receivers such as Josh Derry and Tyren Hornes, especially as the level of competition rises and UCF opens conference play against TCU. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Opens Big 12 Play With A Chance To Expose TCU Concerns
TCU heads into its Big 12 opener at the Bounce House already dealing with a short injury list that has tested its depth early. The Horned Frogs are 2-1 and will be navigating the absence of Perry Cole Jr. and kicker Kyle Lemmermann, two more reminders that September rarely gives a team much time to settle in before conference play begins. Jordan Dwyer is expected back as the matchup shifts into a setting that should give UCF plenty of energy and make the opener feel even bigger.
For the Knights, the challenge is less about the stage and more about who is available to handle it. UCF will likely be without starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III, which puts the spotlight on Keyone Jenkins as the expected starter in his place. That turns a conference opener into a useful early measuring stick for both sides, with TCUs depth issues and UCFs quarterback situation leaving plenty unresolved before the first Big 12 snap in Orlando. [Read more 🡒]
UCF Catches TCU In A Spot Big 12 Fans Will Notice
TCU heads into its matchup with UCF trying to steady itself after a disappointing season-opening loss to North Carolina, and the stakes are already easy enough for Big 12 fans to spot. The Horned Frogs need a response, not just for the standings, but for the broader sense of where this season can realistically go after opening weekend raised questions about the teams quarterback situation and overall strength.
UCF will present a tricky test even without its starting quarterback, which leaves TCU facing a game that should say a lot about the programs early direction. A win would help the Horned Frogs start rebuilding some confidence and momentum, but another loss would only deepen the pressure and make the path ahead look far more complicated. [Read more 🡒]