Sept. 5, 2008
Knights Football Central
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USF at UCF sponsored by Holler-Classic
Saturday, Sept. 6 ? Bright House Networks Stadium ? 7 p.m.
Television: ESPN2 ? Joe Tessitore (play-by-play, Rod Gilmore (color) Radio: UCF ISP Sports Radio Network ? Marc Daniels (play-by-play), Gary Parris (color), Jerry O'Neill (sideline reporter), Scott Adams (reporter)
(WQTM 740AM - Orlando, WMMV 1350AM Cocoa, WDCF 1350AM - Dade City, WROD 1340AM - Daytona Beach, WMMB 1240AM - Melbourne, WLVJ 1040AM/WKAT 1360 AM - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach), WPSL 1590AM - Treasure Coast/North Palm Beach, WZHR 1400AM - Zephyrhills)
Sirius Satellite Radio: Channel 107
Internet: Live audio and statistics at UCFathletics.com
When UCF has the ball
The Knights will be led by junior quarterback Michael Greco. Greco completed nine passes for 90 yards, and ran for 57, in last week's win over South Carolina State. The Knights debuted four running backs last week who rushed for a combined 168 yards. Redshirt freshman Ronnie Weaver led the backs with 84 yards on 23 carries, and freshman Latavius Murray scored both of the Knights' touchdowns. Senior wide receiver Rocky Ross hauled in three passes for 58 yards, including a 30 yard gain to set up the first Murray touchdown. The Bulls, who return All-American defensive end George Selvie and defensive end Jarriett Buie, look to pressure Greco early and often. Selvie, as a sophomore, came a half a tackle short of breaking the NCAA single season record of tackles for loss, when he recorded 31.5 last year. In the defensive backfield, the Bulls lost cornerbacks Mike Jenkins and Trae Williams to the NFL, and senior Tyller Roberts and junior Jerome Murphy replace them.
When USF has the ball
The Bulls return junior quarterback Matt Grothe. Grothe, who has started the last two games in the series, looks to build upon his success against the Knights, who he has scored a total of seven touchdowns against. The running game for the Bulls will be led by senior Benjamin Williams, who helped the Bulls to a 56-7 win over visiting UT-Martin last week. Grothe has many options when he drops back to pass. Junior Jessie Hester, Jr. led the Bulls with two touchdown receptions in last week's game, and senior Taurus Johnson is also a threat as he tied the team high in touchdown receptions last season with four. The Knights will be trying to limit Grothe through the air and on the ground. In the last two games in the series, Grothe has run for over 100 yards in each contest. Senior middle linebacker Cory Hogue returns for the Knights. Hogue missed the season opener with a leg injury.
Game changers
The Knights will need to put pressure on the quarterback often to slow down the USF offense, and Bruce Miller looks to help that cause. Miller, a sophomore, received All-Conference USA Second Team honors in 2007. He finished second on the team with seven sacks last season and had a forced fumble in last week's season opener. The Bulls' defense, led by junior defensive end George Selvie, recorded an astounding 16 tackles for loss in last season's 64-12 victory over the Knights. The Bulls look to duplicate last season's success when they held the Knights to 145 total yards.
Tickets
Tickets are still available for the game and can be purchased through Ticketmaster by calling (407) 839-3900 or by going online at UCFAthletics.com. Season tickets for the 2008 campaign are still available either by calling (407) UCF-1000 or by visiting UCFAthletics.com.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.