Across the Field: UCF

The University of Central Florida Knights are looking to return to their 2010 form after suffering a very disappointing 2011 season. The Knights were victims of many a late game heart break last year going 0-6 on the road and losing 6 games  by 7 points or less. The most heartbreaking coming in a 1 point loss against eventual C-USA champs Southern Miss when UCF failed to convert on a 2 point conversion after scoring a touchdown in the final seconds of the game.

This year's Knights are playing with something to prove. With strong senior leaders who crave to return to the 2010 form, the Knights are looking to make one last statement in Conference USA before moving to the Big East in 2013.

This year's team is highlighted by "The Trinity" of running back which include Latavius Murray (2010 CUSA championship game and Liberty Bowl MVP), Storm Johnson (University of Miami transfer), and Brynn Harvey. It's no question that UCF's strength has been running the ball. Ever since Kevin Smith and the 2007 edition of the Knights offense, UCF has always been a run first offense. Unlike other years however, UCF now features a strong leader under center. Blake Bortles, the redshirt sophomore from Oviedo H.S. was strong last year in a back-up role and has since replaced former starter Jeff Godfrey who has moved to wide receiver/punt returner. Bortles is a pro-style quarterback with excellent decision making skills. He has a strong arm and decent speed to escape the rush.

While wide receivers were among the question marks for UCF last year, it has become a strength for this year's team. The wide receivers are highlighted by Quincy Mcduffie, Rannell Hall, and JJ Worton. While Mcduffie and Hall will beat you with their blistering speed, Worton's hands and playmaking ability helped him to lead UCF in receiving last year. The offensive line is an experienced unit led by Theo Goins, the McCray twins, and Torrian Wilson. They all have starting experience and will be a huge step up from last year's unit.

On defense look for UCF to be strong up front. Troy Davis, Cam Henderson, and Jose Jose shine in this group, look for them to shut down the run and force teams to pass. UCF's has always been strong holding teams to minimal gains on the ground but where it has lacked is its ability to cover spread offenses. That weakness should be addressed this year with strong returning linebackers and Kemal Ishmael, the teams leading tackler returning in the secondary.

If teams are going to beat UCF this year they are going to have to shut down the UCF running game and force Blake Bortles to make mistakes. UCF will also have to overcome what is becoming a traditionally bad field goal kicking habit. Shawn Moffitt is the starter and it will be up to him to reverse that trend.

In UCF first game, quarterback Black Bortles had 168 passing yards and four touchdowns and leading rusher Latavius Murry had 108 yards rushing with 14 carries and one touchdown to lead the team to a 56-14 win over Akron on the road. With Murry now sideline win injuries the Knights will need to capitalize on its aerial game to disrupt the suspect secondary of Ohio State and use its speed.  

Special thanks to 2008Knights for the insider on UCF