July 12, 2010
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By Craig Martin and Leigh Torbin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The Knights will travel to O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium on Nov. 5 to face Houston in a matchup that many prognoticators believe will pit the top two teams in Conference USA. The series record stands at 2-1 after UCF upset the No. 12 Cougars 37-32 in last year's Homecoming game. This Friday night rematch will be aired live on ESPN2.
Coming off a season that saw the Cougars return to the national spotlight, this season offers a chance for Conference USA coach of the year Kevin Sumlin to test his team. The Cougars finished the season at 10-4 and made their fifth straight appearance in a bowl contest. Along the way Houston knocked off two Big 12 schools (Oklahoma State and Texas Tech) and one from the SEC in Mississippi State, rose as high as No. 12 in the polls and captured the C-USA West Division.
Offensive Player to Watch
Quarterback Case Keenum, a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, is poised to set many Houston and NCAA passing records this season. Keenum became only the second player in NCAA history to throw for at least 5,000 yards twice. Keenum finished last year with 5,671 and 44 touchdowns. He also finished eighth in the Heisman voting. Keenum has led Houston to three straight bowl games and has thrown a touchdown pass in 30 straight games.
Defensive Player to Watch
Linebacker Marcus McGraw was amongst the top tacklers in the nation in 2009 with 154, his second straight season over the century mark. His 11.14 stops per game ranked fifth in the nation last fall. Some of his biggest games were in the Cougars' biggest games, makign 14 tackles at Oklahoma State, 19 against Texas Tech and then 23 against Air Force in the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
An Offensive High
Houston arrived at Bright House Networks Stadium ranked 12th in the country and quarterback Case Keenum was on pace to stake a claim at the Heisman Trophy. In thrilling fashion UCF rallied in a come-from-behind 37-32 victory. Trailing 17-3 in the second quarter UCF's swarming defense intercepted a pass, sacked Keenum twice and hurried many of his 56 pass attempts that game. Meanwhile, Brett Hodges would complete a highly-efficient 21-of-25 passes for 241 yards and Brynn Harvey ran for 139 yards and three second half touchdowns.
To UKNIGHT behind your team and receive your free Knights Rewards Card's valuable discounts, reserve your 2010 football season tickets today. Call the UCF Athletic Ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or log onto UCFAthletics.com.