UCF vs. Liberty
9-26-02
Richard Wells
Knightsnews Staff Writer
UCF Rushing vs. Liberty Run Defense
Alex Haynes did well last week against Marshall, ripping off a 58 yard touchdown run on the way to 131 for the game. He should only improve the rest of the season, starting this week at home against Division I-AA Liberty. Haynes should approach 200 yards on the ground, unless his legs fall off.
Edge: UCF
UCF Passing vs. Liberty Secondary
At 1-2, Liberty isn’t very good, even for a I-AA team. Their secondary is no better. Ryan Schneider’s struggles should come to an end this week. Look for Schneider to find wideout Doug Gabriel early and often. This week should be nothing but a confidence booster for Schneider and the whole offense.
Edge: UCF
Liberty Rushing vs. UCF Run Defense
If Liberty does anything on offense, it will be on the ground. Led by tailback Verondre Barnes, Liberty has a decent stable of runners. Don’t be surprised if Barnes gets near 100 yards rushing, if for no other reason than his ability coupled with Liberty’s lack of any other threat. UCF should attack with seven or eight in the box to cut off any big gains.
Edge: Even
Liberty Passing vs. UCF Secondary
Remember the 340 yards Byron Leftwich put up against UCF last week? Liberty QB Gus Condon should approach that number on Saturday. In feet. If he’s lucky. He’s thrown 5 picks so far this season, and should find few open men with the Asante Samuel-led UCF secondary hounding his receivers throughout the game.
Edge: UCF
UCF Special Teams vs. Liberty Special Teams
No contest here, either. Liberty’s special teams unit has been especially poor, even by I-AA standards. A muffed punt attempt last week cost Liberty the game last week at home. Keep your eye on Gabriel in this game. He might just break a return for a touchdown. Then again, Liberty might only give him one chance. Don’t expect many kickoffs from the Flames.
Edge: UCF
Intangibles
This is a must-win game for UCF. After losing their conference opener to Marshall in a close one last week, the Knights should be excited to return home and play in front of their fans at the Citrus Bowl this Saturday. Liberty is on the road for the first time this season. Did I mention they were I-AA? If this one is anywhere near close, fans might be burning Coach K in effigy.
Edge: UCF
Prediction: UCF 52 Liberty 3