Heupel Hits: vs. FAU Preview

ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF head football coach Josh Heupel spoke with the media following Wednesday afternoon’s practice. With FAU visiting Spectrum Stadium Friday night, Heupel says the Owls present a number of challenges for his 16th-ranked Knights.

“Big test for us,” Heupel said. “(They’re) athletic in all three phases of the game. In the last couple weeks, they’ve made a bunch of big plays, both in the ground game and throwing the ball down the field, offensively. Defensively, they’re going to contest everything and bring a lot of pressure as well, and try to make the night hard for your quarterback.”

In order to remain undefeated and extend the nation’s longest winning streak, the Knights will need to limit the impact of FAU running back Devin Singletary. The Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year led the nation with 32 touchdowns last season. He is currently averaging 70 yards per game and has scored 7 touchdowns in three contests.

“Explosive,” Heupel said when asked about Singletary. “He can make you miss, so it’s a big test for us.”

FAU has played for three straight weeks, while UCF didn’t play last week due to Hurricane Florence battering the Carolinas.

“It’s not exactly what you want,” Heupel said about missing last week’s game. “Early in the season, you tend to make a bunch of strides week to week by playing and continuing to get better. Live action always does that. I think our kids will handle it with maturity and I think they’ll be excited about being out there and playing (at Spectrum Stadium).”

Kickoff between UCF and FAU is set for 7:01 p.m. Friday. The contest will be broadcast nationally on ESPN. The game can be heard locally on FM 96.9 The Game and worldwide on iHeart Radio.

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