UCF's Bright House Networks Stadium

VERMILLION, S.D. -- Joel Nielsen, the athletic director at The University of South Dakota, has announced that the Coyote football team will face the University of Central Florida on Sept. 4, 2010.

The game will be held at UCF’s new Bright House Networks Stadium (45,000 capacity) in Orlando, Fla., in 2010. UCF is the second FBS opponent slated for USD’s 2010 football schedule, joining the University of Minnesota.

“We’re pleased to announce the addition of Central Florida as an opponent for the 2010 Coyote football season,” said Nielsen. “It’s a great chance for USD to play a quality FBS opponent outside of the Midwest.”

“Having our first FBS game in a great venue against a very talented UCF team will be an exciting experience for our players.” USD head football coach Ed Meierkort said.

UCF, with an enrollment of 50,254, is a member of Division I FBS and competes in Conference USA. UCF finished 4-8 a year ago, including 3-5 in Conference USA. The Knights lost two games in overtime (Boston College and East Carolina) and also lost a tough 20-14 decision at Miami (Fla.). George O’Leary is entering his sixth season as UCF’s head coach and 13th overall as a collegiate head coach.

UCF’s program was formed in 1979 as a Division III program, and moved into Division II and quickly became a powerhouse at that level. In 1990, UCF moved to the Division I FCS ranks and finished 10-4 in its first season at that level. In 1996, the program moved to Division I FBS status. In 2005, the team qualified for the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, which was the first bowl game in school history. In 2007, the Knights qualified for the Liberty Bowl.

UCF also has had several of its players further their careers in the NFL ranks, including quarterback Daunte Culpepper (Detroit Lions), running back Kevin Smith (Lions), cornerback Asante Samuel (Philadelphia Eagles), wide receiver Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos) and defensive back Travis Fisher (Lions). Culpepper was a former No. 1 pick and Pro Bowler with the Minnesota Vikings.

USD will be entering its second season of Division I FCS competition in 2009. The Coyotes finished 6-5 in their first year of transition to FCS status.