This was the first time UCF had joined a conference since ascending to the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996.

On opening day, UCF once again played up to a ranked opponent on the road, but failed to pull off the upset.

Quarterback Ryan Schneider capped off an 80–yard drive with a 6–yard touchdown pass to Tavaris Capers with 24 seconds to go.

With Thundering Herd quarterback Byron Leftwich faltering throughout the night, UCF largely failed to capitalize.

Trailing 21–26 in the final three minutes, UCF intercepted Leftwich, and subsequently drove to the Marshall 26–yard line.