Central Florida and Florida Atlantic each have short histories as FBS programs. FAU played its first season in 2001, and UCF joined FBS way back in the ancient days of 1996. As such, two programs one would think tussle on a semi-annual basis have only played once, a 33-29 Knights win back in 2003.
That is about to change.
The schools announced a home-and-home series for 2018 and 2019 on Wednesday. Florida Atlantic will visit Orlando on Sept. 22, 2018, and Central Florida will return the favor on Sept. 7, 2019.UCF and FAU agree to a home-and-home series. Knights host the Owls in 2018 http://t.co/NDevnfRKOw #ChargeOn pic.twitter.com/j6LaL7jkpy
— UCF Football (@UCF_Football) January 28, 2015
A home-and-home with Florida Atlantic means Central Florida will have played a Sunshine State opponent in non-conference play every year from 2005-19, save for a one-year break in 2010.
Each program has played Florida twice. Central Florida has played Florida State once and Miami twice, while Florida Atlantic has faced FAU once and never played Florida State.
Here’s hoping UCF’s sideline cabana is still around in 2018.