Struggles persist in the red zone

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Even before he decided to start QB Kyle Israel over Steven Moffett against Rice last Saturday, UCF Coach George O'Leary wanted better production in the red zone.

The Knights entered Saturday's game last in Conference USA in red-zone offense, converting on 13 of 23 opportunities ( 56.5 percent), with nine touchdowns. While UCF was 6-of-7 in the red zone against Rice, it still got in the end zone only three times. K Michael Torres made all three of his field-goal attempts, but it still isn't a good sign for UCF's long-term offensive health.

"We moved the ball and did some good things," O'Leary said. "But again we can't stall in the red zone and come away with field goals.

"This week's opponent, Houston, has converted 88.2 percent of its red-zone opportunities -- 30-of-34, with 24 TDs.
Kyle Hightower : Sentinel Staff Writer