UCF Press Release

November 8, 2002


ORLANDO - The Golden Knights put a close to a week worth of practice on Thursday in an effort to ready themselves for a MAC game against Buffalo on Saturday. The team worked out in helmets and shoulder pads to get a feel for timing and to make any final adjustments to offensive and defensive schemes.

"It was a good week," stated UCF Head Coach Mike Kruczek. "I thought the focus was better. The news that we are still in the hunt for the title helped the players get over the loss a little faster. We still have to take care of our business."

The team is still learning the rigors of playing a conference schedule and know that from here on out every game is critical.

"They (Buffalo) may be a 1-8 team, but they are young," added Kruczek. "I think we have seen what happens when people take other teams for granted. I think Marshall may have underestimated Akron last week and lost valuable ground and now they are in a dogfight for the conference race. We have to go up and play this team the way we need to."

This is the second to last road game for UCF who will return home next week to take on Kent State. Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be heard on 740 The Team with Marc Daniels and Gary Parris calling all the action. Jerry O'Neill will again handle the on-field sideline reporting.

OTHER NOTES:
Cornerback Asante Samuel was recognized as the Big Stick award winner after practice for a hit on a punt return last week. It is the first time this season for the team captain despite several nominations. Fellow team captain and last week's winner Elton Patterson presented the award to Samuel.

Sophomore defensive back Marcus Glover suffered an injury to his right shoulder during practice and is being listed as doubtful for Saturday.

UCF is facing a Buffalo squad that has lost seven consecutive games, with their last victory coming on Sept. 7 against Big East opponent Rutgers. Over that span, the Bulls have given up an average of 37.29 points a game, while scoring just 14.57.     

Over their last seven games the Golden Knights have won just three and have scored 200 points and are averaging 28.57 points a contest. Defensively however UCF has allowed 198 points or 28.29 points a game.

UCF will look to get out of the gate early against the Bulls, which may not be a problem. UCF has scored first in seven out of eight games this season tallying 65 first quarter points. As a team, Buffalo has allowed 85 first-quarter points. Conversely UCF has surrendered 46 first-quarter points, but Buffalo has scored just 16.


 

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