May 31, 2011
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By Josh Molino
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In a nationally-televised game that will be seen during primetime on ESPN, UCF travels west to take on BYU in the fourth game of the 2011 season. Kickoff from LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah, is set for Friday, Sept. 23 at 8 p.m. ET.
The Cougars finished the 2010 season 7-6, including a victory over Conference USA member UTEP, 52-24, in the New Mexico Bowl. Starting the season 1-4 and losing to rival Utah State, head coach Bronco Mendenhall had to make a change and it came at the expense of his defensive coordinator Jaime Hill who was fired. The Cougars won six out of the last eight games to finish 5-3 in the Mountain West Conference. This season BYU will become an Independent football program with games scheduled against Ole Miss, Texas, Utah, Oregon State, TCU and Hawaii.
UCF makes a move west for the first time since 2002 when the Knights traveled to Tempe, Ariz., to play Arizona State. This marks the second time that the Knights have played a team from Utah (Utah State, 2001).
Offensive Player to Watch
Running back J.J. Di Luigi returns for his senior season with the Cougars. Playing in all 13 games last season, starting in 10, Di Luigi earned Second Team All-MWC and Phil Steele Second Team All-MWC honors. Di Luigi led BYU in all rushing categories, receptions (45), all-purpose yards (1,422), touchdowns (9) and was second in total offense (917). Last season against San Diego State, Di Luigi set career highs in carries with 22 and rushing yards with 134.
Defensive Player to Watch
Linebacker Jordan Pendleton returns for his senior season after recovering from an injury that shortened his 2010 campaign. The South Jordan, Utah, native started the first five games of the season until getting injured against Utah State. In a loss to Florida State, Pendleton totaled 12 tackles, nine of which were solo. He finished the season with 38 tackles, 3.5 TFL, two sacks and one forced fumble.
Oddball
BYU will serve as the third-straight opponent for UCF that competed in a bowl game last season (Boston College and FIU). The Cougars will join the West Coast Conference in all other sports beginning in the fall of 2011.
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.