Coach: George O'Leary
2007 record: 10-4, 7-1 Conference USA (C-USA champs, played in Liberty Bowl)
Starters returning: 15 (5 offense, 9 defense, 1 specialist)
Top returners: LT Patrick Brown, WR Rocky Ross, DE Bruce Miller, CB Johnell Neal, CB Joe Burnett, SS Sha'reff Rashad, LB Derrick Hallman, LB Cory Hogue
Key losses: RB Kevin Smith, QB Kyle Israel, T/G Josh Sitton, C Kyle Smith, TE Mike Merritt, DE Leger Douzable
2008 Central Florida schedule
Aug. 30 South Carolina State
Sept. 6 South Florida
Sept. 20 @ Boston College
Sept. 27 @ UTEP
Oct. 4 Southern Methodist
Oct. 11 @ Miami
Oct. 26 @ Tulsa
Nov. 2 East Carolina
Nov. 8 Southern Miss
Nov. 15 @ Marshall
Nov. 22 @ Memphis
Nov. 29 UAB
Key game: The date with Interstate 4 rival South Florida. The Knights have been passed by the Big East's Bulls and still have a bit of an inferiority complex about South Florida. This will be UCF's best chance to beat a likely ranked team this season, and a loss vs. the Bulls could leave the Knights at 1-2 entering conference play; a win could give the Knights momentum heading to Boston College and then C-USA play. The Bulls lead the series 3-0 but will be making their first visit to new Bright House Networks Stadium.2008 overview
By far the biggest question the Central Florida Golden Knights must answer is who will replace tailback Kevin Smith, who was the nation's leading rusher last season (2,567 yards, just shy of Barry Sanders' NCAA record). Smith originally said he would return to the Orlando school for his senior season, when he would have been a preseason top 5 Heisman candidate, but he later changed his mind and was drafted by the Detroit Lions. Behind Smith, the Knights put up 502 points and 3,287 rushing yards in 2007 - both school records.
Five incoming recruits join the competition at running back, which already features Smith's former backup, Phillip Smith, as well as Ronnie Weaver, James Jamison and Jayson Williams. Phillip Smith injured his leg early in spring practice but is expected to be back for training camp. However, that injury made it more likely one or more of the freshmen will see plenty of time on the field.
In addition, the Knights need to replace QB Kyle Israel. Junior Mike Greco will have to hold off redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford, who threw for 148 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the spring game. Incoming freshman Rob Calabrese also will be in contention this summer.
The Knights' offensive line should be a strength. Led by senior center Cedric Gagne-Marcoux, it is the most experienced in all of college football: The Golden Knights' five returning starters combine for 93 career starts, edging out Oregon State (91) for the nation's highest mark. Gagne-Marcoux, an All-Conference USA first team selection last year, has taken every snap for UCF in each of the last two seasons.
Senior cornerback Joe Burnett will anchor the defense and special teams. The preseason All-Conference USA selection is second among active Division I players with 12 interceptions and has three punt returns for TDs. Strong safety Sha'reff Rashad also is back, and he led UCF with 103 tackles a year ago.
Bet on NCAA football futures at WagerWeb.com
No comments:
Post a Comment