Oct. 10, 2008
• Knights Football Central
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UCF at Miami
Saturday, Oct. 11 ? Dolphin Stadium ? 3:45 p.m.
Television: ESPNU (Charles Arbuckle, Doug Bell, Melissa Knowles)
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, WKAT 1360 AM - Miami, Fort Lauderdale, South Palm Beach), WPSL 1590AM - Treasure Coast/North Palm Beach, WZHR 1400AM - Zephyrhills, WLVJ 1040AM - Boynton Beach, WFTL 850AM - Fort Lauderdale
Internet: Live audio and statistics at UCFAthletics.com
When UCF (2-3) has the ball
On Saturday afternoon, the Knights head down the Florida Turnpike to take on Miami at Dolphin Stadium. This will be the first time the two in-state teams meet on the gridiron. Last week, the Knights evened up their Conference USA record at 1-1 when they defeated SMU 31-17. Redshirt freshman Ronnie Weaver led the Knights in rushing with 123 yards on 25 carries. It was the first time the Knights had a single player reach the century mark since Kevin Smith ran for 119 yards in the Liberty Bowl last season. The Knights look to continue their success between the tackles, but it may be a tough task going against a young Hurricane defense that is only allowing 103 yards on the ground per game. Leading the aerial attack for the Knights will be either junior Michael Greco, or freshman Rob Calabrese. The two combined for 126 yards passing in the SMU game. Greco tossed two touchdown passes in the second half, and Calabrese added a score with his legs in the second quarter. Stepping up for the Knights' receiving corps was sophomore Brian Watters who hauled in three catches for 83 yards, including a 56-yard touchdown catch from Greco. The UCF passing attack looks to have success against a Miami secondary that has yielded the second most touchdown receptions (9) in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
When Miami (2-3) has the ball
Miami, hosting its third consecutive home game, is coming off tough losses to North Carolina and Florida State. The Hurricanes lost the two games by a combined six points. Redshirt freshman Robert Marve will start for Miami at quarterback. Marve comes into the game leading the Hurricanes with five touchdown passes and five interceptions. The Hurricanes may also use true freshman Jacory Harris who has made an appearance at quarterback in every game this season. Leading the team on the ground is talented sophomore Greg Cooper. Cooper paces the Hurricanes with 322 rushing yards, while averaging 5.4 yards per carry. The Hurricanes spread the ball around on offense with 16 different players registering a catch on the year. Senior wide receiver Kayne Farquharson paces the squad in both yards with 140, and two touchdown receptions. The Knights' defense will be continually tested Saturday as they face the number three scoring offense in the ACC. The Hurricanes average just under 32 points per game.
Game changers
Needing to establish the line of scrimmage early on, the Knights will count on Weaver to build upon his 123-yard performance from last week. Weaver was the only back to see action against SMU, and he has become the clear number one running back on the team. Last week, Weaver showed fans his big play capability when he ripped off a 48-yard scamper down the sideline in the second quarter to set up the Knights' first touchdown. The Hurricanes have many weapons on the offensive side, but only one of those players accumulated 274 all-purpose yards in last Saturday's loss to Florida State. Freshman Travis Benjamin became the first Miami player in 10 years to accomplish that feat. The Glades Central standout registered the yards by way of a half-back pass, a reverse and kickoff returns of 57, 42 and 29 yards.
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.