PRACTICE WINDS DOWN AS UCF LOOKS TO HEAD NORTH
UCF Press Release
October 11, 2002
ORLANDO - UCF put the finishing touches on its game plan heading into their
second MAC game this Saturday against Western Michigan. The 18 period session
was used primarily for review, timing and on-field recognition.
This week's contest features two evenly matched teams. Both have lost early season games to formidable out-of-conference opponents and are looking to make a mark in conference play. One area that will receive special attention is the UCF specifically the front five.
Not only is the team eager to get back on the field, they are hungry for their first MAC win.
"We have got to come in this week licking our chops," said
defensive tackle DeMarcus Johnson. "Everyone on this team has to play together
as a unit, in all aspects of the game for us to get a victory.
The Broncos currently rank last in the MAC in sacks allowed
yielding 31 after the first five games.
"This is a big challenge for our football team, especially the defensive line,"
added Johnson, who transferred to UCF in January from Southwest Mississippi
Community College. "We have to get to the quarterback. Each of us has to take
care of individual assignments. The coaches have showed us some things on film
that we feel can work, as long as everyone does what they have been coached to
do."
The Golden Knights last win came nearly two weeks allowing ample
time to prepare for this game, which will be the start of an eight-week run to
end the season.
"The off week gave us time to focus mentally and relax a little
bit," added Johnson. "We all want to win out and any victory is going to be a
confidence builder. It should not matter whether or not it is a league game, if
you know how to win it should be against anybody."
UCF will travel approximately two-and-a-half hours by plane to Kalamazoo and is
scheduled to depart early Friday afternoon.
Sunshine Network will televise Saturday's game with kick-off set
for 3:30.
Other notes-
Sophomore wideout Luther Huggins was named the recipient of the Golden Knights
Big Stick award at the conclusion of practice. Huggins, who had two receptions
for 19 yards against Liberty, was recognized for a block he threw on Doug
Gabriel's 68-yard scoring play in the first quarter. He will lead the team out
of the tunnel before Saturday's game against Western Michigan.