Nov. 16, 2010
="" alt="Knight Head" border="0" class="imported"> Read John Denton's Knights Insider | ="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported">Follow us on Twitter | ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported">Get social with the Knights on Facebook
By Claire Supplice
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) -With the last few games of the season approaching, UCF controls its own destiny as it needs to win its final two games to claim the East Division as well as host the C-USA Championship Game.
The road will be tough, but if UCF can defeat its next two opponents, claim the Conference USA title, and win a bowl game, the Knights will break the programs all time record of 10 wins in a single season. UCF has driven into opponents' territory on its first drive of the game in eight of 10 contests this year.
A contributing factor to the driving force of the Knights is that they have solid depth at the receiver position. Among the 10 receivers that have participated this season is Miami, Fla. native, senior Kamar Aiken. Aiken has been a solid player for the Knights the last four years and showcased his talents with a 59 yard reception in the Rice game.
We spoke with Aiken Tuesday morning about a bittersweet Senior Day.
What was different about the USM game from all others?
"They came out a lot more physical, talked a lot more trash, and they were overall more athletic than a lot of the other teams we've played this season. They pretty much just came out very aggressive; They had it out for us just like we knew they would."
After scoring more than 30 points in almost every game prior to USM, why do you think the offense struggled to put more points up on the board?
"Southern Miss did a pretty good job of changing up their coverages and sending different pressures at us. We worked on it during the week, but we just didn't do a very good job of executing it during the game. We didn't pick up on it very well and that's what really hurt us."
What's the one thing you took out of the game that you or the team, need to get better at?
"We need to learn to basically just handle pressure better. We need to focus more on reading coverages and mainly coming out to play from the start of the game. We can't wait until the last minute. Once we perfect those aspects of our game, other teams won't be able to capitalize on our mistakes like USM did."
As a senior, this loss had to hurt. Did this game make you more motivated to finish the season off on a positive note?
"It did in some ways, but we're already motivated because we know we have to win the next two games in order to host the C-USA Championship. That was our ultimate goal from the start of the season, so if we can carry out those tasks, we'll be in the driver's seat for C-USA."
What type of focus do you think the team, as a whole has going into the Tulane game?
"Everybody's focused. Everyone's ready to play and get another win under their belt. We're all putting the Southern Miss game behind us and moving forward. The only thing we're taking from that game are the mistakes we made and making sure we fix them for our next few games."
Is it discouraging to know that the last two back to back games are away?
"No, not at all. To me, we do pretty well if not better on the road because we become more focused. We know that there's much more elements involved when you don't have that home field advantage, so we'll be fine."
What advantages does playing on the road provide?
"The only advantage I can think of is the focus that we all as a team take on. Whether it's a hostile environment or a stadium with barely any fans in it, we know we're immediately at a disadvantage when the fans are booing you instead of cheering. So I would say our level of focus is the advantage."
As a whole, what will you guys take from this USM game moving forward?
"To come out and play hard from the beginning and not take teams lightly. We have to start the game aggressively because we know we have a big target on our back being the number one seed on our side."
The Knights will continue their campaign on the road facing the Tulane Green Wave. Tune into this Saturday's game broadcasted via radio brought to you by UCF ISP Sports Radio Network.