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UCF football defeats Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in season opener

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 3:21 AM

Last updated Sep 4, 2026

UCF football defeats Bethune-Cookman 73-6 in season opener
Summary

UCF defeated Bethune-Cookman 73-6 on Thursday in the season opener at Orlando. The Knights tied their single-game scoring record and established the largest margin of victory in program history. Duke Watson rushed for 110 yards, while quarterback Alonza Barnett III recorded both passing and rushing touchdowns in his debut. The UCF defense contributed to the scoring with a 47-yard interception return by safety Jayden Williams. The result marked the 11th consecutive season-opening win for the Knights and their ninth straight victory against the Wildcats. Coach Scott Frost earned his 25th win with the program dating back to the 2016-17 season.

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Status Watch
  • •UCF defeated Bethune-Cookman 73-6 to start the season 1-0.
  • •Duke Watson led the Knights with 110 rushing yards.
  • •Jayden Williams scored on a 47-yard interception return.
  • •The 73 points matched the school record set against Austin Peay in 2017.
Latest Updates
  • 3:21 AMYahoo Sports — UCF puts up 73 points on Bethune-Cookman in season opener
  • 2:56 AMYahoo Sports — UCF transfers shine as Knights tie points mark, cruise past Bethune-Cookman, 73-6
  • 2:34 AMYahoo Sports — UCF transfers shine as Knights tie points mark, cruise past Bethune-Cookman 73-6
What they're saying
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ORLANDO, Fla. — UCF fans were worried about storms in the Central Florida area before Thursday’s season opener against Bethune-Cookman, but it turns out all the electricity was on the football field. Louisville transfer Duke Watson took a handoff from quarterback Alonza Barnett III on the Knights’ second play on offense and the 5-foot-11 junior running back was off to the races for a 64-yard ...

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UCF fans were worried about storms in the Central Florida area before Thursday’s season opener against Bethune-Cookman, but it turns out all the electricity was on the football field. Louisville transfer Duke Watson took a handoff from quarterback Alonza Barnett III on the Knights’ second play on offense and the 5-foot-11 junior running back was off to the races for a 64-yard touchdown less ...

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ORLANDO — Alonza Barnett III made his UCF debut, leading the Knights to a 73-6 victory over Bethune-Cookman on Thursday night, setting a program record for largest margin of victory. Barnett, who transferred from James Madison in the offseason, threw for 158 yards and a touchdown.

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