UCF Press Release

October 23, 2002

 
ORLANDO - The Golden Knights held a spirited practice on Tuesday under hot and sunny conditions, which may have contributed to some rather intense moments during team time. Overall a typical early week practice session spent working in full pads lasting for nearly two-and-a-half hours. The team continues to break down film and get looks and fits on the field as a gameplan is implemented.
The team is entering the second week of a three-game homestand and is looking to even its record in the conference. The Zips come to the Citrus Bowl with a 1-6 record, which is actually very deceiving. UCF expects a big challenge and will base nothing on last season's 57-17 victory.

"Akron is going to give us multiple looks up front," said UCF Offensive Coordinator Robert McFarland. "It is very different than what they have shown us in the past."

Finding an offensive rhythm is going to be crucial for the Knights as they look to get back in the win column.

"They (Akron's defense) change things up on you constantly," added McFarland. "Where some teams will run an eight-man front or a 3-4 defense, they run about three different base fronts and they are very sound doing it. This is going to be a challenge for us."

Execution and knowledge of assignments is going to be crucial for UCF this week as Akron runs a multi-faceted defense.

"Another thing about Akron is that they are not only constantly giving you different looks, they will also blitz out of all of the fronts they run. They force you to be sound in both your running and pass blocking schemes. So not only do you have to recognize their scheme, you have to respect the blitz as well."

Not only is it homecoming it is another opportunity to win in the conference, a mindset the team has to adjust to.

"After playing these three conference games guys are understanding for the first time how important these games truly are," said McFarland. "Each and every game is so heavily weighted and to have something to play for is exciting to the players. They are all checking standings and looking for scores, it is still new and something that has to be learned."

The team's practice Wednesday will be very similar to Tuesday's workout as far as being in full pads and time duration. Specialists, kickers and punters will take the field at approximately 3 p.m.
UCF and Akron will play at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday with kickoff slated for 4 p.m.
 

  
Other notes -
Tight end Michael Gaines, who caught a 13-yard touchdown pass against Toledo, will make his first start of the year this weekend against Akron.

The UCF offensive line, which has given up only nine sacks all season, will be facing an Akron team that is ranked 14th in the conference in sacks, recording only five all season.

UCF is 1-3 in the all-time series with the Zips.
 

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