Sports
UCF Knights Crush North Carolina 34-9 to Stay Unbeaten at 3-0
Published
8 months agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The UCF Knights hosted the North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday afternoon at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium in a nationally televised matchup. Coming off a bye week, UCF looked fresh and focused, securing a commanding 34-9 victory to remain undefeated at 3-0.
UCF Knights vs North Carolina Tar Heels in Orlando, Florida. Photos: Harry Castiblanco | Florida National News
Strong Start for UCF
Despite having not played in two weeks, UCF showed no rust. Quarterback Tayven Jackson capped off the Knights’ opening drive with a 13-yard rushing touchdown. Jackson finished the day an efficient 25-for-32 with 223 passing yards and one touchdown. Defensively, UCF struck early when Horace Lockett tipped a pass at the line that Nyjalik Kelly intercepted. It was the first of two interceptions for the Knights’ defense in the first half, which limited North Carolina to just three points by halftime.
Offensive Momentum Before the Break
Late in the first half, UCF engineered an impressive scoring drive, aided by two Tar Heel penalties. Jackson then connected with tight end Kylan Fox, who was left wide open in the endzone, extending the Knights’ lead to 20-3 at the half. North Carolina’s struggles continued as UCF’s defense applied constant pressure, while the offense capitalized on nearly every opportunity.
UCF Knights vs North Carolina Tar Heels game in Orlando, Florida. Photos: Harry Castiblanco | Florida National News
Second-Half Statement and UNC Setback
The Tar Heels opened the second half with a quick three-and-out. UCF responded by marching downfield for another touchdown, building a 27-3 lead. The game took a concerning turn for North Carolina when quarterback Gio Lopez suffered a right leg injury on a 4th-and-1 conversion at their own 42-yard line. Lopez was helped to the sideline and later carted to the locker room. Head Coach Bill Belichick offered no post-game update. Backup QB Max Johnson finished the game, but North Carolina managed only one touchdown before UCF sealed the 34-9 win.
The Tar Heels head into their bye week at 2-2, while UCF remains unbeaten at 3-0. The Knights will travel next week for their first road test of the season against Kansas State.
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Marcus Richardson | Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins
Published
23 hours agoon
May 31, 2026DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.
Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.
In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.
Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance
The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.
The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.
“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.
The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.
Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.
Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama
While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.
Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.
Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.
“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”
The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.
The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.
Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen
Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.
The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.
The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.
Sports
Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami
Published
2 months agoon
April 16, 2026By
FNN SPORTSMIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.
The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.
DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE
Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.
Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.
Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.
DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION
Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.
The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).
With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.
COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT
The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.
The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.
Sports
Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces
Published
2 months agoon
March 30, 2026By
Willie DavidNEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.
The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.
“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”
LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST
The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”
RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.
“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”
FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.
Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.
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