UCF Press Release

October 24, 2002

ORLANDO - The Golden Knights were able to stave off the weather and complete a full workout on Wednesday. In an effort to practice at an even higher tempo, the session was conducted in helmets and shoulder pads. The practice was spent getting fits, making reads, working on timing and continuing to fine-tune the game plan for Saturday's game against Akron.

UCF, which lost at home for the first time in seven games, will again be facing an offensive unit that is able to stretch the field and rack up large amounts of yardage. Sophomore Charlie Frye who is averaging 272 yards a game this season with 11 touchdowns leads the Zips.

"He is a good football player," said UCF Defensive Coordinator Bill D'Ottavio. "He is doing a real good job of executing their offense."

In fact, the Frye-led offense currently ranks fourth in the Mid-American Conference averaging just over 449 yards a game. UCF enters the game in the eighth spot with 391 yards a game. He poses a dual threat to the Golden Knights defense.

"He is making plays with his legs as much as he is his arm," added D'Ottavio. "He has really done some good things, so you have to respect him."

For both D'Ottavio and the UCF defense the task remains the same.

"They are a good offense, but our job is the same as it is every week. We need to get them stopped and get off the field. Our defense, like any other week, has to get them into third and long situations. It comes down to playing solid defense and execution."

The Golden Knights will practice on Thursday at approximately 3:15 p.m. The two teams will square off on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl with kickoff at 4 p.m.


Other notes -
Akron quarterback Charlie Frye has thrown just two interceptions in his last 118 attempts.

The 449 yards a game ranks the Zips 11th nationally. Over the course of the last four games Akron has averaged 522 yards a contest.

UCF and Akron have had one common opponent this season as both have soundly defeated Liberty. UCF 48-17, Akron 49-21. However, the Zips were down 14-0 before scoring 49 unanswered.

 

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