UCF Press Release

November 13, 2002


ORLANDO - The Golden Knights held practice under brooding black skies on Tuesday, but were able to outlast the rain to get in a two-and-a-half hour workout. The team went in helmets and shoulder pads, which appeared to pick up the mood as well as the speed of practice.

    Until this past week against Buffalo, three of the last four games have seen an opponent rush for over 100 yards against the UCF defense. Things will not get any easier for the Knights as they face a Kent State team that averages over 240 yards a game.

    "If we play defense and do what we are coached to do, we can shut down anybody," said defensive lineman Mike Lynche, who will be starting in place of an injured Larry Brown. "When we all take care of our individual assignments, we are fine," added Lynche. "It just seems that at times we are having let downs and not handling adversity well."

    As far as relying on the outcome of other games to dictate the fate of UCF, Lynche does not think twice knowing where responsibility lies.

    "Everyone on this team knows we are responsible for controlling our outcome," stated Lynche. "We let some things get away early in the season, from here on out it is a matter of pride and playing to win. This team does not want any more letdowns. As far as the game tonight (Miami vs. Marshall), I don't even think I am going to watch it. Whatever the outcome, it does not mean we want to win any less."

    UCF and Kent State will kick off at the Citrus Bowl on Saturday beginning at 6 p.m. It marks the second time the two teams have met, but the first time as league opponents. The last meeting saw UCF win a 59-43 shootout at Kent. The 102 points is just two shy of the all-time combined total in a UCF game.

    The team will practice again on Wednesday with punters and kickers hitting the field at approximately 3:15.


Other Notes:
The offenses of UCF and Kent State are certainly on opposite ends. While the Golden Flashes are ninth in the country in rushing with 242.60 yards a game, the Knights are 110th with just 96.44 yards a game. Conversely the UCF air attack ranks fifth in the country averaging 317.44 yards a game, while Kent State is ranked 111th with just over 125 a game.

A key match up for the weekend will be in the trenches. UCF is coming off a five-sack performance against Buffalo and now has 27 on the season. KSU ranks in the middle of the pack (7th) in the MAC in sacks allowed, but has only given up 16 on the season.


 

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