June 1, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Following the away game vs. East Carolina, the Knights will continue their Conference USA slate, hosting Memphis at Bright House Networks Stadium on Oct. 3. UCF will be looking for its fourth-straight series win over the Tigers.
In 2008, the Tigers' season started 0-3, but they finished with an overall 6-7 record and gained bowl eligibility. Memphis has appeared in five bowls in the last six years. Last year, the Tigers lost to USF in the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl, 41-14. This season, the Tigers have some tough competition within the team. With new transfers, many positions will be up for grabs. With four of the five consistent offensive line starters from 2008 graduated, there will be room for some newcomers.
Offensive Player to Watch
Running back Curtis Steele returns as a senior for the Tigers. Putting up big numbers, Steele registered 1,223 yards in 2008 and totaled six 100-yard games, earning him the No. 4 spot in the Tigers' team records. He ranked fourth in C-USA in rushing and ninth in all-purpose yards.
Defensive Player to Watch
Senior linebacker Greg Jackson was a 2008 All-C-USA Honorable Mention pick. Jackson ranked second on team in sacks with four and was sixth on the team in tackles with 52. Jackson totaled five or more tackles in five games and registered a tackle in each of his 10 games played. His season-best was 11 stops against East Carolina.
A Winning Legacy
Last year's 28-21 win versus Memphis showcased numerous UCF players. Rob Calabrese threw for two touchdowns, including a 19-yarder to Khymest Williams in the third quarter putting the Knights up 28-7. Defensively, Sha'reff Rashad collected 11 tackles, while Joe Burnett added to his school record by picking off his 16th career pass. In 2007, UCF trampled the Tigers 56-20 at Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights scored a rushing touchdown on each of their first seven possessions. UCF has won all four games over Memphis since the Knights joined C- USA in 2005.
Season tickets for the 2009 UCF campaign at Bright House Networks Stadium are currently available. To order your season tickets today, contact the UCF ticket sales office at (407) UCF-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.
For the latest news on the Knights, log onto 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 online apparel store. Also, visit UCFphotos.com, the exclusive fan source for the UCF action sports pictures.