July 25, 2011
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By David Buchman
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The Knights' 2011 regular season finale is set to take place right where the season began, at Bright House Networks Stadium. Visiting for the Nov. 25 matchup will be UTEP, who the Knights have not faced since 2008. In the two previous matchups between the Knights and the Miners, each team has come away with a victory at home. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. with television coverage provided by CBS Sports Network.
Finishing two wins better in 2010 than in 2009, UTEP's 6-6 regular season record earned the Miners a trip to the New Mexico Bowl, where they were defeated by BYU. The Miners have lost their previous five bowl appearances and haven't won a bowl game since 1967. Head coach Mike Price is entering his eighth season as head coach at UTEP and is looking to get over the hump and get his team to the C-USA Championship Game.
Offensive Player to Watch
Senior running back Joe Banyard was an honorable mention all-conference selection last season in C-USA, as he was the leading rusher for the Miners. This season Banyard will be looked upon to carry the offense as he is one of the only two offensive starters returning for UTEP in 2011. The 2010 season was Banyard's first season lettering at the collegiate level, and he wasted no time racking up impressive stats. In 109 attempts, Banyard totaled 623 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, along with 17 catches for 107 yards. Look for Banyard to be a leader in his senior season and be the driving force for the UTEP offense.
Defensive Player to Watch
Sophomore defensive lineman Marcus Bagley appeared in every game for the Miners last season as a true freshman, and started the last five games at nose tackle. In 2010 he made 28 total tackles along with two tackles for a loss, and a sack. Look for the 330-pound nose tackle to require a couple of offensive linemen in order to be contained. His size and speed create problems for running backs and quarterbacks alike. Look for Bagley to be a seasoned sophomore by the time the Knights face the Miners at the end of the 2011 season.
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.