UCF PREPARES FOR FIRST HOMECOMING AGAINST CONFERENCE FOE

UCF Press Release

October 22, 2002

   
ORLANDO - The Golden Knights got back to the practice field on Monday, but had their workout cut short as a brief shower and extended periods of lightning put an end to time on the field. Players and coaches met for additional position meetings and film sessions.
UCF is looking to rebound after a home loss to Toledo when they welcome Akron to the Citrus Bowl on Saturday for homecoming. The Knights are beginning to quickly adjust to conference play and the great parody that exists in the MAC. Last season's game against Akron was a lopsided affair, a 57-17 UCF win, but all conference teams are eager to officially welcome the Knights to conference play.

"They got rid of last year's defensive staff, so our game last season is no consequence to us for this season because they changed everything." said head coach Mike Kruczek  "It's a different group of kids over there (at Akron) and they are a lot better than they were last year. It's going to be an interesting game."

The parody in the conference is still a motivating factor for the Knights who still have the ability to affect the standings.

""All 14 teams can play football," added Kruczek. "Anything can happen on any given Saturday. It really comes down to a mindset by these different teams. You never know what you might walk into. You got to be prepared to play week-in and week-out, no matter where you play. It's a great situation for this program to be in."
   
 

Other notes -
Quarterback Ryan Schneider is ranked 14th in the country in total offense entering the game against Akron, as he is responsible for 278.17 yards a game.

Receiver Doug Gabriel, who only had 48 yards receiving against Toledo, dropped two spots to 15th in the nation in receiving yards a game with 102.17. He also ranks 17yh with 6.17 catches a game.

Akron is 0-3 in the MAC and has lost those games by a combined total of 32 points. UCF is 1-2 in the conference and has lost its two games by a combined eight points.

UCF linebacker Stanford Rhule recorded 20 tackles against Toledo and leads the team with 75.