Oct. 15, 2011
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By John Denton
UCFAthletics.com
DALLAS -
- RECEIVING ISSUES: Sometimes in college football it takes a perfect storm, of sorts, to author a special season. At times, it's difficult to construct a perfect offense or defense because of a lack of experience or depth at a certain position.
UCF offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe broached that subject because of the issues facing the Knights this season at wide receiver. Last season, UCF was loaded with talent and experience at wide receiver with Jamar Newsome, Brian Watters and Kamar Aiken, but had a freshman (Jeff Godfrey) at quarterback. This season, Godfrey is the one with the experience, while the receivers are mostly newcomers with little playing experience.
Senior A.J. Guyton and junior Quincy McDuffie were the only returners with significant experience. Redshirt freshmen J.J. Worton and Josh Reese and senior Khymest Williams have played significantly.
``Jeff is still having to get used to throwing to a new group of wide receivers. The timing sometimes is just not there and sometimes you see a hesitancy there to throw the ball,'' Taaffe said. ``Last year, we had several seniors who made Jeff look better at times by making plays. For us now it's about getting guys more confident and sure of themselves.''
- CHAMPIONSHIP MEMORIES: When UCF and SMU last played in December, Brynn Harvey was but a bystander because of a season-ending knee injury. Harvey, UCF's leading rusher in 2008 and '09, sat out all of last season after injuring his knee in the spring of 2010.
Harvey attempted to make a comeback last season, getting on the field for full-contact drills by the end of the season. He was eventually redshirted following the emergence of Latavius Murray and Ronnie Weaver. But Harvey helped out anyway he could, imitating SMU standout running back Zach Line in practice drills.
``I was on the scout team that week before the championship game, so I looked at it as me just trying to do whatever I could to help the team prepare,'' Harvey said. ``It was hard watching, but I was just happy that we won the game.''
- ETC: UCF's game against UAB was moved from Saturday to Thursday night before the season at the request of the Blazers' administration, according to Tribble. With NASCAR racing in nearby Talladega on Sunday and the Tennessee-Alabama game in Tuscaloosa on Saturday in Tuscaloosa, UAB officials figured the Knights-Blazers game would get more publicity playing it on Thursday night. Comcast Sports South and Bright House Sports Network will televise the game. ... When SMU scored an early touchdown on Saturday it was the first time in seven games that UCF had allowed a first-quarter touchdown. The streak dated back to Nov. 27, 2010, against Memphis. Also, it was the first time since the 2009 St. Pete Bowl that a team has scored a touchdown on the first drive of the game against UCF. ... UCF brothers Cliff and Justin McCray started at the two guard positions on Saturday for the first time in the careers. Cliff, a senior, started at left guard ahead of Theo Goins, while Justin, a sophomore, started at right guard. Jordan McCray, Justin's twin, is also on the team. ... Here's what was most shocking about UCF's troubles covering punts on Saturday - the Knights had the No. 2-ranked special teams coverage unit in the country last season. UCF allowed only 80 yards of returns all of last season and none longer than 18 yards. SMU's Richard Crawford had punt returns of 47, 50 (nullified by penalty) and 92 yards in the first half alone. ... Williams, UCF's senior wide receiver, left the field just before the half with an arm injury. Williams was injured while returning a kickoff.
John Denton's Knights Insider appears on UCFAthletics.com several times a week. E-mail John at jdenton@athletics.ucf.edu.