Aug. 10, 2006
ORLANDO - The UCF football team practiced inside the Nicholson Fieldhouse for the first time this preseason on Thursday morning. Head coach George O'Leary's squad will also practice this evening.
"I thought we picked it up this morning," said O'Leary. "The defense was a little bit ahead of the offense. Especially in the passing game; we are still not where we need to be there. That is always the last thing to come around. I am more concerned about making sure we establish the run game and then the pass game will come along."
Due to NCAA regulations, the Golden Knights are allowed to practice twice in the same day on two occasions. The team will also have a pair of practices on Monday.
Following the morning practice, O'Leary was asked by a member of the local media if he feels his team is over-confident after its successful season a year ago. The Golden Knights posted an 8-5 overall mark and claimed the Conference USA East Division title in 2005.
"They (the players) understand it is a new season," said O'Leary. "We have a lot of work to do if we are to get better. You either get better or worse and I think we are getting better each day."
On Friday, the Golden Knights practice from 3:30-5:40 p.m.