By The Associated Press - Associated Press - Thursday, December 25, 2014

Central Florida (9-3, 7-1 American) vs. North Carolina State (7-5, 3-5 ACC), 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)

Line: UCF by 2.

Series Record: Tied 1-1.

WHATS AT STAKE

UCF has chance to finish with at least 10 wins for the fourth time in five seasons. The Knights, co-champions of the American Athletic Conference, played in a BCS bowl for the first time a year ago, beating Baylor in the Fiesta. North Carolina State went 3-9, including 0-8 in the ACC, in its first season under coach Dave Doeren in 2013. Wolfpack won three of past four to become bowl eligible, and beating UCF would represent another step forward under their second-year coach.

KEY MATCHUP

North Carolina State QB Jacoby Brissett threw for 2,344 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions, and the transfer from Florida also rushed for 498 yards and three TDs. In UCF, hes facing a stout defense that ranks in the top five nationally in fewest yards allowed per game and pass efficiency, rushing and scoring defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Central Florida: QB Justin Holman didnt begin the season as a starter, but hes proven to be more than a capable successor to Blake Bortles, who left the Knights after his junior season to become the third overall pick in last springs NFL draft. His 51-yard Hail Mary gave UCF a 32-30 victory over East Carolina, along with a share of the AAC title. AAC defensive player of the year Jacoby Glenn anchors a solid secondary.

See the original post:

Bitcoin Preview Capsule