November 22, 2002

ORLANDO - UCF wrapped up its week of practice Thursday in preparation for its Mid-American Conference showdown against the second-place RedHawks of Miami University in Oxford, Ohio Saturday at 1 p.m. Practices during the week were scaled back in terms of hitting to allow injured players to heal but UCF coach Mike Kruczek was still pleased with what he saw.
    "I thought practice went well in preparation for a big game this week," Kruczek said. "We intentionally pulled out of pads because we have so many players banged up. We didn't think any kind of hitting would help the problem and we need to get healthy bodies in the ballgame."
    Temperatures in the 70s most of the week during practice is a sharp contrast to the low 40s projected for kickoff. "There's no way you can prepare a team for that kind of environment," Kruczek said. "It's just like a northern team coming down here and having to play in 80 degree weather. It's something you have to block out of your mind. The temperature will be in the 40s so it should be great football weather."
    UCF (5-5, 4-2) has not fared well on the road in the recent past, but is looking for its third consecutive road victory in the MAC after winning at Western Michigan and Buffalo. "Any time you go on the road you have to battle the rigors of travel," receiver Ivery Gaskins said. "We'll have to make sure he stay mentally and physically sound in the way we play."
    Miami (7-4, 5-2) has had trouble defending its home turf with two of the RedHawks four losses this season coming at Yager Stadium. They have come at the hands of Big-Ten leader Iowa and MAC West leader Northern Illinois, though.
    "This is a big game and this is a great opportunity for us to silence a lot of critics who don't believe in UCF football," Gaskins said. "We're not only playing for this season, but we are hoping to build a foundation for all the years after."
Sunshine Network will televise the game live in the Orlando and Tampa markets. The game will be joined in progress in the remainder of the state at the conclusion of the North Carolina at Duke game (approximately 3:30). The game will be replayed statewide at 8 p.m. Sunday.

Notes: Tailback Keith Williams earned the team's "Big Stick" award for the Kent State game. He picked up the honor with a block. Receiver Britt McGriff was named the scout team offensive player of the week and safety Chad Breeden was named the scout team defensive player of the week.

 

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