A closer look at UCF’s 2014 football schedule

A closer look at UCF’s football schedule:

* Vs. Penn State in Ireland, Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m., ESPN2

The Buzz: UCF aims to build its Fiesta Bowl win with a high-profile showdown with Penn State. Former Vanderbilt coach James Franklin will be leading the Nittany Lions for the first time.

* At Missouri, Sept. 13, Noon, SEC Network

The Buzz: The Tigers lost a slew of players from last year’s team that earned a spot in the SEC title game, but talented quarterback Maty Mauk could still cause problems for the Knights.

* Bethune-Cookman, Sept. 20, 6 p.m., ESPN3.com

The Buzz: The Knights and Wildcats were once rivals, with B-CU often getting the upper hand before UCF moved up a division. Bethune-Cookman won last year’s MEAC title and features a slew of FBS transfers.

* At Houston, Oct. 2, 7 p.m., ESPN

The Buzz: The Cougars can within inches of upsetting the Knights last season. Quarterback John O’Korn and the Houston offense could get the upper hand at home.

* BYU, Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

The Buzz: BYU is counting on improvement from its defense, which struggled uncharacteristically last season.

* Tulane, Oct. 18, Kickoff TBA, TV TBA

The Buzz: The Green Wave is making a big jump to the AAC and may struggle to match the seven wins the team amassed last season.

* Temple, Oct. 25, Kickoff TBA, TV TBA

The Buzz: UCF receiver J.J. Worton had to pull off a dramatic catch and Shawn Moffitt had to nail a game-winning field goal to push the Knights past Temple last season. UCF will need a more consistent effort against a much-improved Owls offense to win again this season.

* UConn, Nov. 1, Kickoff TBA, TV TBA

The Buzz: The Huskies are in rebuilding mode, but cold weather could be an extra hurdle for UCF during this November matchup.

* Tulsa, Nov. 14, 8 p.m., ESPN2

The Buzz: The Golden Hurricane earned two wins over the Knights during the 2012 season before UCF departed for the AAC. The teams are set to face off again with a struggling Tulsa squad joining the American.

* SMU, Nov. 22, Kickoff TBA, TV TBA

The Buzz: Coach June Jones is working in a new starting quarterback and trying to help his team cut down on turnovers that proved costly last season.

* At USF, Nov. 28, Kickoff TBA, TV TBA

The Buzz: The War on I-4 shifts to Tampa, with USF hoping to find its footing under coach Willie Taggart and avenge its first loss in the rivalry series.

* At East Carolina, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

The Buzz: The Pirates caused headaches for the Knights when both teams were in Conference USA. With East Carolina moving to the AAC, this showdown could help decide the league title.