Oct. 13, 2009
Orlando, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On Tuesday afternoon, UCF held its weekly press conference to discuss Saturday evening's Sunshine State showdown with No.9 Miami.
During the press conference, head coach George O'Leary spoke about big games against ranked opponents and being able to stop Miami's offensive success, among other topics.
UCF will play host to the Hurricanes this Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Bright House Networks Stadium. The game will be broadcast live by CBS College Sports. A capacity crowd is expected.
On scheduling games against big name opponents like Miami and Texas:
"Games like these are essentially something that we have to win. It is going to be a big game as well since it is an in-state opponent. They are the No. 9 team in the country, and of course that is going to draw more attention. We have to be able to establish ourselves as a program by getting games like that, and giving us an opportunity to win the game."
On being able to stop Miami's offensive success:
"I think the Miami team this year is doing a really good job. Offensive coordinator Mark Whipple is doing a good job of bringing in a professional style offense, and it has shown through five games. It especially shows in the routes that they run, and being able to spread the field out. They do a good job in having a lot of short passes underneath, and being able to protect their quarterback with seven guys in the box. Their offense really is not about the big plays that you would expect, but more out of five and six yard routes. Once their receivers are able to get the ball faster, then that is when they are able to make people miss and get more yards after the catch. So, basically to stop their offense will rely on our linebacker coverage and not necessarily looking for the sack each play."
On Miami quarterback Jacory Harris:
"I think they have a very good quarterback in Jacory Harris. He does a great job of being calm in the pocket. I feel he has progressed really well, and it has shown with his team's success. It is also in his wide receivers and being able to get the ball to them on the underneath routes. Their running backs are also really good and as well do a great job of finding the hole and making plays. I think a lot of the fans like to see the big sacks and dropping them for loss, but it will essentially be us stopping them from getting more yards-after-catch."
On UCF's offense:
"Basically, our guys have to be able to understand the tendencies. We will have to be able to control the things that we do best, and not necessarily what they do. I feel that we have the guys that can run and make plays. After having the bye week, we have played a lot more against ourselves and understanding what we as a team need to evaluate more. Another aspect is being able to control and understand our route progressions and making plays in space. What we really have to focus on is being able to control the ball, and to move the chains consistently down the field. I feel that we have to be able to let our guys just go out and play, and to let their athleticism take over. They know what needs to be done to be successful, but it will be about making the plays at a much faster pace."
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