UCF Press Release

November 6, 2002

ORLANDO - The cold weather in Buffalo may be a concern for the Golden Knights on Saturday, but it was the rain in Orlando that forced the team from the practice field early on Tuesday. The practice session made it just 20 of the 24 scheduled periods.

Despite cutting the workout short, the team had a bit more spring in its step after hearing via the league office that a MAC title was still a possibility. In short, if UCF is able to win its remaining four games and Miami is able to defeat Marshall next Tuesday (Nov. 12), by virtue of league established tiebreakers UCF would vault to the top of the East Division.

"We received information from the league office that there is still an opportunity for us to reach the goals we set and talked about before the start of the season," stated head coach Mike Kruczek. "It is amazing how things work out," added Kruczek. "This team has faced some adversity and played some tough football games. I think that adversity will assist us in getting prepared week-in-week-out over the next four games, knowing there is still a goal of reaching a championship game."

This is the perfect example for the Golden Knights to see the up-and-downs of conference play, which was not in the realm of possibility when the team competed as an Independent.

"I think there is a renewed motivation." Kruczek further stated. "We are all very disappointed with the loss to Syracuse over the weekend, but this type of information heightens the spirit and emotions. Before the players were just playing for the love of the game, but it is nice to have this added motivation."

For Kruczek and UCF the next four weeks are critical, but the roadmap to success is cut and dry.

"Some things have to happen, but for the most part, the destiny of our team is still in our hands. You control the things you can control and don't worry about the things you can't. There is no reason these guys can't rise to the occasion and do what they set out to do." The team will be looking for the first of what they hope is four consecutive wins to close out the season this weekend in Buffalo. Kick-off is slated for 1 p.m., with showers expected and a game-time temperature near 50 degrees. The team will begin practice on Wednesday at approximately 3:15 when kickers and punters take to the field.


OTHER NOTES:
On Tuesday coach Kruczek announced that sophomore tight end Matt Lundy was no longer a member of the team. He was excused for what Kruczek called non-compliance of team regulations.

Sophomore outside linebacker Stanford Rhule is currently ranked 13th in the country in tackles per game averaging 12.25 stops a contest. On the season he has tallied 98 tackles, 53 solos and 45 assists.

Senior defensive end Elton Patterson is 10th in the country with 7.5 sacks on the season. He also ranks eighth in the country with 14.5 tackles for loss.

 

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