ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - News and notes from the UCF football team for Friday, Aug. 17. There are only two open practices left during the preseason, as school starts on Monday.

News

-Practice today is on tap for 6:30-8:30 p.m., but may start early.

-The Knights went with shoulder pads and not full pads for Thursday's session.

-Author and former NFL standout Tim Green, who gave a terrific speech as the guest speaker during Thursday's Countdown to Kickoff Luncheon, was in attendance for practice as well.

-The offensive line stepped up, giving quarterbacks a lot of protection throughout UCF's drills.

-At the end of practice, an afternoon storm moved in and set off the weather alarm. The Knights decided to not go into Nicholson Fieldhouse, but ended practice a couple of minutes early.

-Head Coach George O'Leary after Thursday's practice: "We are trying to get down to the two-deep look and really putting the pressure on the kids out there competing. ... I think the kids responded and that's what you are looking for, is competition out there. I thought they competed well. That's why when the weather came I sent them in. We got done what we wanted to see on film, and we will react from there.

"I'm never satisfied (with solidifying a two-deep). I want to still see competition from some of the ones and twos, and the twos and threes, because I don't think anything is done until next Tuesday. I'll have some type of (closed) segmented scrimmage, and we will make some decisions. And next Thursday we will get ready for Akron."

Web Links

-UCFAthletics.com -  UCF Football FanFest Details

-Orlando Sentinel -  Justin Tukes

-Bright House Sports Network -  Josh Linam and the Miami Dolphins 

Stat of the Day

-Senior running back Latavius Murray ranks fifth on the UCF all-time list by averaging 5.17 yards per carry. The record is 5.49 set by Marquette Smith from 1994-95.

What to Look For

-Saturday will be an eventful afternoon for the Knights.

-It all starts up at 2:30 p.m. with the last practice of the preseason open to the public.

-UCF Football FanFest gets underway at 5 p.m. starting with the team photo. Fans wearing gold shirts will be allowed to participate in the photo, and they are encouraged to get their early at Gate 18 in the Southwest corner of Bright House Networks Stadium.

General Ticket Information

- Buy UCF Football Tickets