2011 Preview Week 6: UCF

When George O’Leary first came to Orlando winning two games was an accomplishment for the lowly Golden Knights. That’s far from the case this year as UCF and its fans will be disappointed if they don’t win two conference championships in a row.

The Knights’ offense will be anchored by the running game which will set up the passing game. Opposing defenses will have to deal with the triple headed threat of Latavius Murray, Brynn Harvey and Ronnie Weaver in the backfield. How good is this trio? Harvey and Weaver are the Knights’ leading rushers from the past two seasons. However, Murray, a 6-3 225 pound bruiser of a back, was named the starter coming out of spring practice.

Sophomore QB Jeff Godfrey will lead the offense.   In his freshman year, Godfrey accounted for 23 touchdowns and 2,700 total yards. His running is ahead of his passing and he’ll likely rely on it especially early with the departure of his two top receivers from last year.

Defensively, UCF is transitioning from the loss of architect Dave Huxtable to Bret Bielema’s staff in Wisconsin. However, UCF should be able to create headaches for opposing offensive coordinators. Junior Troy Davis could have a break out season. Davis had five sacks during the spring game and possesses the physical skills and internal fire you want coming off the edge. However, the best player on defense might by cornerback Josh Robinson. Robinson can stick to receivers like glue and has catch-up speed, if someone gets by him.

UCF won the C-USA title in 2010 and then went on to an upset win over Georgia in the Liberty Bowl. 2010 also marked the first time in school history the Golden Knights collected 11 wins and finished in the Top 25.

Last year’s game against The Herd was a “White Out” at Joan C. Edwards Stadium that turned into a wash out. Heavy thunderstorms delayed the game at one point, but that didn’t bother UCF who took care of Marshall 35-14.

You can almost credit Marshall for UCF’s turn around from basement dweller to conference champ. UCF was mired in a 17 game losing streak when Marshall came to Orlando on September 24, 2005. UCF took a 17 point lead at half time and never looked back winning the game 23-13. Since then, UCF has a record of 44-30, has played in the C-USA title game three times and won the conference twice.

Marshall and UCF have met on the football field every year since 2002 and the Knights lead the series 6-3. The Herd won the first three meetings, however UCF has now won six straight in the series.