June 2, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF football team will open its second campaign at Bright House Networks Stadium on Aug. 30, against South Carolina State. The contest will serve as the season opener for both squads.
The Knights will be meeting South Carolina State for the first time on the gridiron. UCF will be opening the campaign against a Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) program for the second time in three years. In 2006, UCF made its season debut against Villanova.
Here is an early look at UCF's contest with South Carolina State:
Experienced Squad
Forty-four letterwinners from South Carolina's State 2007 squad are back this season. The Bulldogs went 7-4 a year ago. With a 6-2 mark, the team finished tied for second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Seventh year head coach Oliver "Buddy" Pough has seven starters back on offense and nine starters returning on the defensive end.
Ground Attack
Tailback Will Ford is back to lead the ground attack for South Carolina State. Last year, the Bulldogs ranked ninth nationally, averaging 260.2 rushing yards per game. Ford, an All-MEAC First Team selection, was 11th in the country on the ground (125.18). He found the end zone four times. Against South Carolina, Ford carried the ball 17 times for 112 yards.
Tough Slate
UCF is one of two Football Bowl Subdivision squads that South Carolina State will meet this season. The Bulldogs will play at Clemson on Sept. 20. In addition to facing South Carolina in 2007, the team also played at Air Force.
A Rare Occurrence
The Knights will be opening a season at home for just the fourth time in 13 years. In four seasons under head coach George O'Leary, UCF has made its yearly debut at home just once (2006 - Villanova). Last year, the squad played its season opener at NC State.
Season tickets for the 2008 UCF football campaign are currently available. To order season tickets, or to learn more about attending games at Bright House Networks Stadium, call 407-UCF-1000. The Knights are scheduled to play six home contests this year.
In 2007, UCF went 10-4, claimed the Conference USA Championship and participated in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel, log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also visit www.ucfphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.