June 28, 2011
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By Doug Richards
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After two-consecutive road games, the Knights will return to Bright House Networks Stadium on Oct. 29 for a Conference USA showdown with Memphis. Kickoff for the Homecoming contest against the Tigers is set for 4 p.m.
The Knights are 6-1 all-time against the Tigers, and have won six-straight series matchups. UCF is 2-0 against the Tigers at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Last season, UCF rolled to a 37-17 win over the host Tigers at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis. UCF's defense limited the hosts to just 23 yards rushing. Jeff Godfrey had an excellent game against the Tigers, completing 14-of-17 passes for 252 yards with two touchdowns. Jamar Newsome had a pair of touchdown receptions, and Latavius Murray scored twice on the ground in the win.
Memphis struggled in 2010, going just 1-11 in head coach Larry Porter's first campaign at the school. The squad went winless in C-USA action. Memphis averaged just 14.4 points per game, compared to 39.8 for its opponents.
Offensive Player to Watch
Marcus Rucker was one of the bright spots offensively for Memphis a year ago. The wideout started every game and led the squad with 41 receptions for 704 yards and eight touchdowns. He caught multiple touchdown passes versus both Southern Miss and Tennessee. Rucker finished the year by catching a touchdown pass in four of the team's final six games.
Defensive Player to Watch
A 6-foot-5, 350-pound defensive lineman, Dontari Poe was listed by ESPN as one of the nation's strongest players. As a sophomore last year, he totaled 41 tackles and added 2.0 sacks. He was also credited with three quarterback hurries and a pass breakup.
Connections
When the Knights defeated host Alabama, 40-38, in 2000 to record one of the biggest victories in program history, the Crimson Tide were coached by Mike DuBose. DuBose is now in his second year as the defensive line coach at Memphis.
Oddball
Since the Knights joined Conference USA in 2005, UCF has outscored the Tigers 217-113 in five meetings.
UCF 2011 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.