UCF Press Release

October 30, 2002

ORLANDO - UCF held a two-and-a-half hour practice in full pads on Tuesday in preparation for Syracuse on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl. It is the first time the Golden Knights host the Orangemen in Orlando after being hosted by Syracuse last season.
"It is great to have a team the caliber of Syracuse come to our place," said senior defensive tackle Larry Brown. "I have been here three years and played against some big teams, but it always seems like we are in someone else's backyard. It is going to be big for us to have our home fans behind us."
After facing Syracuse on the road last year, Brown is anticipating another hard-fought game this season as well.
"We know they are going to be very physical and look to pound the ball against us," added Brown. "Especially with the way we have stopped the run the past couple of weeks."
Brown and the rest of his defensive teammates will be facing a Syracuse offense that runs a complex offense featuring lots of motion, formation changes and multiple sets.
"We can't pay too much attention to all of that," added Brown. "The coaches have a great game plan put together, so we need to do what they tell us to do and be where they want us to be. We have to execute our assignments."
Brown is also quick to point out that although Syracuse arrives in Orlando with a 2-6 mark, this team is much better than their record indicates.
"They have got a great football team," stated Brown. "Just like us, they have played a tough schedule and had some bad breaks, a play here or there that made the difference in a game. This is a very talented team."
Kickoff for the game is slated for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on Sunshine Network and will be shown up north on ESPN Regional. In the Orlando area the game will have a delayed airing, as it will show at 11 p.m. due contractual obligations. The game will be broadcast live in southern Florida.
The team will practice on Wednesday at approximately 3:15 with kickers and punters taking the field.

Other notes -
Ryan Schneider currently ranks 14th in the nation in total offense averaging 278.57 yards a game.

UCF has three receivers in the top 100 nationally in receptions per game. Doug Gabriel is 25th with 5.71 a game, while both Jimmy Fryzel and Tavaris Capers are 83rd with 4.14 a contest.

Punter Ryan Flinn is 36th nationally with a 41.45 punting average. He has a long of 61 yards this season

 

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