Heupel Hits: at ECU Preview

ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – UCF head football coach Josh Heupel met with the media following the No. 9/10 Knights’ Thursday practice session at Nicholson Fieldhouse.

After a one-point win over Memphis last week, some of the focus of questions was understandably still centered around that game. UCF had won its previous five games by an average of 31.2 points per game. So, coming from behind and winning by one was a bit of a rarity.

“Our kids have an expectation of winning, which you better have,” Heupel said. “At the same time, maybe it pointed out that (winning) doesn’t just happen because we have our logo on the side of your helmet or on your jersey. Hopefully, we learned a lesson about what type of effort we’re going to see on the other side of the field, how we have to play on the road and the energy you’ve got to have and create on your sideline.”

This Saturday’s ECU game is the last contest before a bye week and then a stretch of four games that includes undefeated Cincinnati and South Florida in them to wrap up the regular season. Heupel was asked if those matchups down the road motivated the team in any way. Heupel has had his team locked into 1-0 each week all season and there’s not going to be a change in that philosophy.

“If you don’t take it one week at a time in this conference, you’re going to be in trouble,” Heupel said. “I hope our kids pay attention to it. We talk about it. There’s a lot of really good football in this league, so you better come ready to play.”

Heupel expects ECU to do just that Saturday.

He said his team needs to be “dialed into the details of what you’re doing. (Being) assignment sound, your communication, bringing great individual effort and making plays” are all going to be important against a Pirate team that will be looking to knock off the Knights.

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