May 9, 2011
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By Josh Molino
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Defending Conference USA champion UCF opens the 2011 football season at Bright House Networks Stadium, Sept. 3, against the Big South's Charleston Southern. The Knights are coming off the best season in school history, recording 11 wins and the program's first bowl victory after they defeated Georgia, 10-6, in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.
UCF is 3-1 in home openers at Bright House Networks Stadium and has won three-consecutive, two of which have been against FCS opponents, including a 38-7 victory over South Dakota last season. This marks the first meeting between Charleston Southern and UCF.
The Buccaneers faced a tough schedule last season, having games at Hawaii and Kentucky as well as their conference opponents. A 3-8 record during the 2010 campaign has the returning Bucs hungry to begin the season and gain their first win against an FBS opponent (0-9). This will be no easy task for CSU with both of its FBS opponents in the 2011 season hailing from the Sunshine State: UCF and Florida State.
Offensive Player to Watch
Dual-threat quarterback Malcolm Dixon heads into summer as the front runner as the Bucs starter. The Tifton, Ga., native saw limited action last season, but hopes to carry the bulk of the load in 2011. During the spring game Dixon completed 10 passes for 109 yards in tough, windy conditions, and rushed 12 times for 66 yards. This young playmaker at quarterback can give the Knights trouble once he escapes the pocket.
Defensive Player to Watch
Linebacker Cornelius Sterling returns to lead the Bucs defense. The Orlando product (Olympia HS) finished third on the team last season with 57 total tackles. The production didn't stop there as Sterling registered eight tackles during the spring game and looks to be the captain on defense.
Connections
The Buccaneers seem to have an interest in football players from the Central Florida area, having 11 players on the current roster from local high schools. Ray Rowe, Brad Sweatt and Jean Bazile were all teammates at Orlando Edgewater.
Oddball
In five games against the state of Florida's FBS schools, the Bucs have only managed 23 points. This season could be more of the same with games against the stingy defenses of the Knights and Seminoles, both teams ranked inside the top-45 nationally in total defense a year ago.
2011 UCF Football season ticket packages can be purchased or renewed online at UCFAthletics.com or by calling the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000. Home games include Charleston Southern [Champions UKNIGHT (Sept. 3)], Boston College [Hall of Fame Weekend (Sept. 10)], Marshall (Oct. 8), Memphis [Alumni UKNIGHT - Homecoming 2011 (Oct. 29)], Tulsa (Nov. 5) and UTEP [Senior Day (Nov. 26)]. Should UCF host the C-USA Championship Game for the fourth time in seven years, it would be played on Saturday, Dec. 3 and season ticket holders will receive the first shot at the best seats.