July 3, 2012
="" alt="Twitter Logo" border="0" class="imported"> ="" alt="Facebook Logo" border="0" class="imported"> UCF Athletics Social Media Directory
By Joey Nelson
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - UCF will travel to Memphis on Oct. 20 to face head coach Justin Fuente and his Tigers for the Knights' third conference matchup of the season. UCF holds the series lead 7-1 and shut out the Tigers, 41-0, for a homecoming victory in last year's meeting.
Memphis finished the 2011 season 2-10, securing victories against Austin Peay and Tulane. The Tigers have managed a total of five wins the past three seasons and are looking to bounce back under Fuente, who spent the previous five seasons at TCU. Coaching quarterbacks and running backs the past 10 seasons at Illinois State and TCU, Fuente brings to Memphis an offensive mindset with an emphasis on tough, gritty football. Fuente enters his first season as a head coach and is looking to build up the football program in Memphis.
The Tigers also are set to join the Knights in the move from Conference USA to the BIG EAST in 2013 and the Tigers' head coach understands the importance of bringing in a talented recruiting class. "There's a certain pride that comes with kids from Memphis, playing in front of their parents and family members every home game," Fuente stated in a Q&A with The Commercial Appeal. "Hopefully, we'll build this thing so we can show everybody what Memphis is about: hard work, determination and that gritty, tough feel. That'll be the first stop for all of us when we go out, making sure we take care of our own backyard."
Offensive Player to Watch
Wideout Kevin Wright continues to impress coaches and has built up an early lead to be the Tigers' No. 1 go-to guy. The spring practices provided Wright a platform to showcase his talents to Fuente and he did not disappoint. The sophomore receiver caught 36 passes for 398 yards and one touchdown last season and often times creates a mismatch with his lanky, 6-foot-4 frame. Look for the Memphis offense to stretch the field with Wright and try to take advantage of his size and speed.
Defensive Player to Watch
Former safety Akeem Davis made the transition from leader of the Tigers' defensive backs to starting strongside linebacker last season, making for an interesting project to watch throughout the year. He racked up 78 stops, eight tackles for a loss, three interceptions and forced three fumbles. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, the senior linebacker flies around the field and has been a passionate, vocal leader for the defensive unit. As a true jack-of-all-trades, his ability to play the run as well as disrupt the pass has given the Tigers' defense an added weapon as well as a creative advantage in schemes and play-calling. Davis' play speaks for itself and his on-the-field success should translate into positive results for a team with plenty of upside on the defensive side of the ball.
Knight vs. Tiger Matchup To Look Out For
Texas Tech transfer Jacob Karam has made quick work in becoming the Memphis starting quarterback and has received much praise from coaches in his ability to feel out the pocket and manage broken plays. With a rushing attack that ranked 119th in the country, Karam will be forced to carry much of the offense. Look for the UCF defense to bring a heavy pass rush from linebackers Jonathan Davis and Terrance Plummer in hopes of forcing Karam out of the pocket. If the Knights can maintain a consistent, nagging presence, there should be plenty of opportunities to take the ball away and knock off the Liberty Bowl home crowd.