July 7, 2010
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By Craig Martin
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On Oct. 23, halfway through the season, the Knights will host Rice at Bright House Networks Stadium for Homecoming. This will be UCF's third conference game of the year and fourth series game versus the Owls.
Rice finished 2-10 last season. Two years removed from capturing Conference USA West championship, Rice looks to regain its winning form after facing a very rough 2009 schedule.
Offensive Player to Watch
With James Casey drafted to the NFL, the Owls will look to senior tight end Taylor Wardlow for receptions. In 2008 against Houston, Wardlow recorded a career-long 53-yard scoring pass from Chase Clement for his first touchdown and then caught a three-yard jump pass from Casey to help Rice record a 56-42 win. Wardlow had nine receptions and three scores a year ago.
Defensive Player to Watch
Sophomore Chris Jammer recorded 40 tackles at corner in 2008. In the game against Memphis, Jammer had a 69-yard interception return for a score with 11 seconds remaining, giving the Owls a 42-35 win over the Tigers. The interception was nominated as the Pontiac Game Changing Performance for the week. On kickoff returns, Jammer averaged 17.9 yards on 10 returns. His longest return was a 30-yard effort at Memphis.
Back in Time
Rice and UCF both moved into C-USA in 2005 and UCF beat Rice 31-28 that fall in Houston. In 2006 at the Citrus Bowl, Rice and UCF battled for the second time with Rice coming out on top 40-29. Starting in only his second college game, Kyle Israel threw for 327 yards with three scores and sophomore tailback Kevin Smith ran for 155 yards. The Knights had 482 total yards of offense, but fell short against the Owls. Last fall things were different as UCF rolled to a 49-7 win over the Owls at Rice Stadium, the most lopsided road victory in UCF history. Rob Calabrese threw two touchdown passes in the game while Brett Hodges threw and wide receiver A.J. Guyton also threw a touchdown pass in addition to catching one.
To UKNIGHT behind your team and receive your free Knights Rewards Card's valuable discounts, reserve your 2010 football season tickets today. Call the UCF Athletic Ticket office at (407) 823-1000 or log onto UCFAthletics.com.