USF-UCF to kick off at 8 p.m. on Nov. 29

The game hasn’t kicked off in the evening since 2015

USF quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) leaps to avoid UCF defensive back Mike Hughes (19) and during the second half of the Knights' 49-42 triumph in Orlando in 2017. This year's game, also at Orlando's Spectrum Stadium, kicks off at 8 p.m. on Nov. 29. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]

Joey KnightTimes staff

Published Nov. 18, 2019

TAMPA ― For the first time in four years, the “War on I-4” will kick off under the lights.

The American Athletic Conference announced Monday the annual USF-UCF game at Orlando’s Spectrum Stadium will start at 8 p.m. on Black Friday (Nov. 29). ESPN will carry the game.

🚨 KICKOFF SET 🚨

The 11th installment of the War on I-4 will kickoff in primetime on ESPN.#BullStrong pic.twitter.com/KsIh6t1tlU
— USF Football (@USFFootball) November 18, 2019

This marks the first time since 2015 ― a 44-3 Bulls romp on Thanksgiving night ― that the rivalry has kicked off in prime time.

Only two years ago, the same contest delivered ABC’s third-highest audience for a 3:30 Black Friday game in 15 years. Of course, that game ― a 49-42 UCF triumph ― evolved into an instant classic.

USF leads the all-time series, 6-4, but has lost the last two meetings.

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