Nov. 4, 2006
Orlando, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - UCF returns to the Florida Citrus Bowl on Saturday to face East Carolina in the Golden Knights' homecoming contest at 4 p.m. ET. The Golden Knights (2-6, 1-3 C-USA) have won 10 of their last 11 homecoming tilts and will look to get back on the winning track against their Conference USA East Division foe.
The two teams met for the first time as respective conference members last year in Greenville, in what was the Pirates' homecoming contest. The Golden Knights put a damper on those festivities as they rallied for a 30-20 victory over the Pirates (4-4, 3-2 C-USA).
The Pirates, who lead the overall series 4-1, enter the contest on the heels of a 20-17 overtime victory over Southern Miss, which vaulted them to the top of the C-USA East Division. East Carolina is led by senior quarterback James Pinkey, who has passed for 1,950 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
The Golden Knights are tops in the league in both rushing and total offense in C-USA games this season, averaging 203 yards on the ground and 456.2 total yards. Reigning C-USA Freshman of the Year Kevin Smith has been the primary force on the ground, having posted four-consecutive 100-yard rushing efforts in league play.