NEWPORT, R.I. (UCFKnights.com) – As American Athletic Conference teams prepare for the upcoming season, the UCF Football program is back to garnering the respect of the media covering the conference.
After going winless in 2015, the Knights were picked to finish last in the AAC East Division by the media in last year's preseason poll. Under then-first-year head coach Scott Frost, the Knights far exceeded those expectations last season, with a 6-7 overall record, a bowl appearance and a 4-4 record in conference games.
Looking forward to the 2017 season, the media expects UCF to be back in contention in the AAC East. The Knights were picked second in their division in the league's preseason media poll, as announced by the conference Tuesday morning.
"I'm excited about this year," Frost said. "I think we're a lot better football team right now than we were at the same time last year. I think we're headed in the right direction and I think people are realizing that."
But, in the same breath, Frost said predictions are just that. He believes his team needs to go out and continue to earn respect.
"Predictions and experts' guesses on where we'll end up … I don't put much stock into that," Frost said. "I'm glad people think we're going to be a better football team, but we have to go out on the football field and prove it. Hopefully we're prepared to do that."
The Knights open preseason camp prior to the 2017 season on July 27.
The following is a look at the 2017 American Athletic Conference Preseason Media Poll:
| Ranking | Team (First Place Votes) | Points |
| East Division | ||
| 1. | USF (30) | 180 |
| 2. | UCF | 126 |
| 3. | Temple | 119 |
| 4. | Cincinnati | 100 |
| 5. | East Carolina | 63 |
| 6. | UConn | 42 |
| West Division | ||
| 1. | Memphis (22) | 169 |
| 2. | Houston (6) | 137 |
| 3. | Navy (1) | 128 |
| 4. | Tulsa (1) | 102 |
| 5. | SMU | 64 |
| 6. | Tulane | 30 |
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is just around the corner. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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