UCF Vs. Akron Game Preview: The Knights Head To Ohio To Start Season

Central Florida will gets its season started a little earlier than most teams when it takes on Akron on Thursday night. The Knights, who are coming off a 5-7 season, will try to head back toward bowl eligibility with a win in their first game.

Game time: 7 p.m. ET

Location: Akron, Ohio

TV: ESPN3

Despite a poor 2011, a lot is expected of Central Florida this season. The Knights were picked to finish first place in Conference USA in a media poll.

Safety Kemal Ishmael, defensive lineman Victor Gray, offensive lineman Theo Goins and kickoff return specialist Rannell Hall all secured spots on the preseason All-Conference USA team.

The Knights figure to have no trouble with Akron. In 2011, the Zips went 1-11 and have beaten just one FBS team in the last two seasons.

Central Florida's season opener will be one of 17 games that begin the college football season on Thursday night.