Rest in Peace: Ereck Plancher
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Vote for Knightro
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You can vote once per day. Winner is on the cover for the game!
Friday, January 18, 2008
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Next UCF hoops game 1/23- Be there!
Looking for UCF shirts?
There is a new online store that just opened up:
Click on the pic to check out there store.
There is also:
Click on the logo to check out the site.
Amazing the UCF Merchandise that is starting to show up. Best of luck to them.
Miss football season: Check out 2007 Highlights
I have been missing football so found some UCF hightlights on YouTube Enjoy!
Great job cw209179
From: illuzionx7
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Scrappy Knights survive scare
UCF overcomes a sloppy first half with solid defense to top the Ragin' Cajuns.
Nine games are done in UCF's 2007-2008 campaign, but the Knights' search for an identity is still a work in progress.
UCF scrapped and ground its way to a 65-52 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Tuesday. But with its first real road trip of the season up next, it's clear that that this team still hasn't found the smoothness it will need to have with the start of conference season barely a month away.
For 20 minutes Tuesday, the Knights struggled to gain any cushion against a feisty Ragin' Cajuns lineup that came in 1-4 but hung around by forcing UCF's offense to bobble exchanges and get limited clear looks at the basket early on.
UCF scrapped and ground its way to a 65-52 win over Louisiana-Lafayette Tuesday. But with its first real road trip of the season up next, it's clear that that this team still hasn't found the smoothness it will need to have with the start of conference season barely a month away.
For 20 minutes Tuesday, the Knights struggled to gain any cushion against a feisty Ragin' Cajuns lineup that came in 1-4 but hung around by forcing UCF's offense to bobble exchanges and get limited clear looks at the basket early on.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Big numbers, little attention for UCF's Smith
While Tim Tebow, Chase Daniel, Colt Brennan and Darren McFadden are in New York City enjoying steaks, luxury hotels and all that goes with the Heisman Trophy ceremony this weekend, Kevin Smith will be in Orlando, Fla., studying for finals and getting ready for a bowl game against Mississippi State.
Kevin who? Kevin Smith? The director? Silent Bob?
No. Kevin Smith, the NCAA's leading rusher. In what will go down as one of the more underappreciated individual campaigns in college football history, Smith finished the regular season with 2,448 rushing yards — just 180 yards shy of Barry Sanders' single-season record. If he turns in an average game in the Liberty Bowl, he will go for 180 and then some to finish 2007 as the owner of the greatest rushing season in Division I-A/College Bowl Subdivision history.
Peter Schrager: FoxSportsSmith consensus All-American
UCF junior RB Kevin Smith will be the first player in school history to earn NCAA consensus All-America honors.
With four of the five NCAA Division I-A All-America teams already announced that are used to determine the NCAA's consensus All-America teams, Smith and Arkansas junior Darren McFadden have secured the two running back spots.
The NCAA uses a point system based upon inclusion on five nationally recognized All-America teams to determine whether a player will be awarded a spot on the consensus team. First-place honors are worth three points, second-place honors are worth two and third-place honors are worth one.
Orlando Sentinel
With four of the five NCAA Division I-A All-America teams already announced that are used to determine the NCAA's consensus All-America teams, Smith and Arkansas junior Darren McFadden have secured the two running back spots.
The NCAA uses a point system based upon inclusion on five nationally recognized All-America teams to determine whether a player will be awarded a spot on the consensus team. First-place honors are worth three points, second-place honors are worth two and third-place honors are worth one.
Orlando Sentinel
UCF cannot catch Ole Miss
There was no weird, eerie music. No psychedelic swirl or slow voiceovers pumping out of the UCF Arena public address system.
But there was something very déjà vu-like about UCF's 76-67 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday night.
Facing their first Southeastern Conference opponent at home since 1997 in front of a school-record crowd of 5,574, the Knights walked on the floor Saturday with another ripe chance to gain a signature victory.
But there was something very déjà vu-like about UCF's 76-67 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday night.
Facing their first Southeastern Conference opponent at home since 1997 in front of a school-record crowd of 5,574, the Knights walked on the floor Saturday with another ripe chance to gain a signature victory.
But much like in their previous early-season setbacks to Villanova and Kansas State, this team continues to have trouble solving the problem of turning close losses into victories. It's almost like a Bob Vila This Old House project with a few missing tools.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
UCF breaks before Liberty Bowl
George O'Leary said he thinks the Knights will be ready when they return Dec. 17.
For the first time in 13 weeks, there was an odd sound around UCF's football complex last week: Silence.
No chatter of players around the locker room, office doors opening and closing or even the clanging of barbells in the weight room.
Knights Coach George O'Leary doesn't mind that his team is taking some time off after seven victories in a row culminated in the school's first Conference USA championship. It comes at a good time -- before preparations begin to face Mississippi State on Dec. 29 in the Liberty Bowl, UCF's second bowl appearance in three years.
No chatter of players around the locker room, office doors opening and closing or even the clanging of barbells in the weight room.
Knights Coach George O'Leary doesn't mind that his team is taking some time off after seven victories in a row culminated in the school's first Conference USA championship. It comes at a good time -- before preparations begin to face Mississippi State on Dec. 29 in the Liberty Bowl, UCF's second bowl appearance in three years.
Liberty is a sellout
UCF still has some tickets, but officials hope the rest of its 10,000 go quickly.
Time is running out for UCF fans to get their hands on tickets for the Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl.
Bowl officials in Memphis, Tenn., announced a sellout on the game's Web site Saturday afternoon. The announcement came after Mississippi State distributed its allotment of 30,000 tickets and UCF claimed its extra allotment of 2,000 seats to bring its total count to 10,000.
UCF spokesman Joe Hornstein said as of noon Saturday that the school ticket office had sold about 7,200 of the allotted seats and expects the remaining tickets to go quickly. After UCF sells the rest of its tickets, Knights fans will have to pay a premium and rely on ticket brokers such as StubHub to buy tickets -- or take their chances with other third parties. A letter from Knights Coach George O'Leary will go out to fans Monday to help stoke that urgency.
Bowl officials in Memphis, Tenn., announced a sellout on the game's Web site Saturday afternoon. The announcement came after Mississippi State distributed its allotment of 30,000 tickets and UCF claimed its extra allotment of 2,000 seats to bring its total count to 10,000.
UCF spokesman Joe Hornstein said as of noon Saturday that the school ticket office had sold about 7,200 of the allotted seats and expects the remaining tickets to go quickly. After UCF sells the rest of its tickets, Knights fans will have to pay a premium and rely on ticket brokers such as StubHub to buy tickets -- or take their chances with other third parties. A letter from Knights Coach George O'Leary will go out to fans Monday to help stoke that urgency.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Despite stellar season, UCF standout Kevin Smith misses out on awards
Two Florida native sons. Two very different kinds of weeks.
Florida's Tim Tebow has been like a president waiting for his inauguration.
The Heisman Trophy frontrunner's record-breaking year has been on display for a national audience to see in the days leading up to the presentation of college football's highest individual honor.
Florida's Tim Tebow has been like a president waiting for his inauguration.
The Heisman Trophy frontrunner's record-breaking year has been on display for a national audience to see in the days leading up to the presentation of college football's highest individual honor.
But here in Orlando, with numbers just as staggering as those of his state neighbor, UCF running back Kevin Smith has had a quiet week.
Smith ended the regular season with 2,448 rushing yards, just 180 yards shy of Barry Sanders' all-time single-season record. Yet Smith, who won't join Tebow in New York as a Heisman finalist, was without much Heisman hype and isn't even a finalist for any of the heavy hardware at tonight's College Football Awards Show.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Smith ended the regular season with 2,448 rushing yards, just 180 yards shy of Barry Sanders' all-time single-season record. Yet Smith, who won't join Tebow in New York as a Heisman finalist, was without much Heisman hype and isn't even a finalist for any of the heavy hardware at tonight's College Football Awards Show.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Record-busting is enough for a Heisman spot
http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10514241
Kevin Smith. Yes, Kevin Smith.
Given that the Heisman race already has taken the low road, why not more controversy? Central Florida's magnificent tailback is on my Heisman ballot.
Florida's Tim Tebow is a "system" quarterback, according to Hawaii coach June Jones. I missed the system that has yet to develop another 20-rushing, 20-passing touchdown QB, but that's another story.
Might as well make it a full-fledged argument. I liked Smith because he did what Jones' quarterback did last season: Shatter records. Colt Brennan threw 58 touchdown passes last season and couldn't get a trip to New York.
Smith is now the No. 2 single-season rusher in history (2,448 yards). The junior needs 181 yards in the bowl game to surpass one Barry Sanders on the all-time list.
Dennis Dodd; CBSSportsline
Prospect watch
Central Florida junior running back Kevin Smith is now just 180 yards behind the single-season record for rushing yards held by Barry Sanders. Smith plans to ask the NFL Advisory Committee for an evaluation of his current draft grade. He has impressed scouts with his consistency, long gains and ability to be a work horse (he could finish the season with 450 carries). Smith is pondering whether to make a run at next year's Heisman Trophy or turn pro. He could earn a first-round grade now, but some scouts wonder if he has the bulk to handle the pounding of the NFL. Scouts estimate his 40-time in the 4.55 range and some feel he is not a complete back in terms of receiving and blocking. Smith will likely to enter the draft with a first-round grade. Another collegiate season with 400-plus carries could actually hurt his stock.
John Murphy: Yahoo sports
MSU football: Liberty Bowl bid ends era of frustration for Bulldogs
http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071203/SPORTS030102/712030341/1079/SPORTS
STARKVILLE — Liberty Bowl board member Jan Gwin took the podium at a press conference here Sunday night and went through all the formalities of extending an invitation to the 49th edition of his game to Mississippi State. Then, he looked to his right, saw coach Sylvester Croom and politely cushioned that invitation with a "should you decide to accept."
Croom laughed.
Should he decide to accept? Please. After six years of no more than three wins, a bowl berth - any bowl berth - was the best news anyone could imagine around here. And yes, the Bulldogs (7-5) formally accepted the invitation of Gwin, a former State lineman.
Don't expect anyone around here to be whining about what could have been. With the SEC Championship Game's result Saturday seemingly knocking out any hopes of the Music City or Chick-Fil-A bowls, the 13th bowl trip in school history fell squarely onto the shoulders of the Liberty Bowl - which had pressed State more than any other bowl over recent weeks.
Kyle Veazey: Clarion Ledger
TU loses Central Florida rematch
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/college/article.aspx?subjectID=94&articleID=071202_2_B13_hUCFK66224
UCF Knights shut out Hurricane offense in second half to win C-USA title.
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A disappointed Todd Graham and his Tulsa players walked past the Liberty Bowl trophy after describing what went wrong during Saturday's football game at Central Florida.
The bronze trophy inadvertently rang as it was symbolically being placed near UCF's victory press conference.
That clang may haunt TU following a 44-25 loss to the Knights in the Conference USA Championship game.
The sound will probably be mixed with the rabid cheers of 44,128 gold-clad UCF fans after every score, sack and interception. Then there are the chants of "Heisman" after UCF running back Kevin Smith chewed up 284 rushing yards against the Golden Hurricane defense.
Tulsa ended one win short of a season goal of a league title. And it may sting for a while.
"To get to this game and lose, it definitely hurts," TU's Tarrion Adams said. "I hurt for the seniors."
Eric Bailey: Tulsa World
The bronze trophy inadvertently rang as it was symbolically being placed near UCF's victory press conference.
That clang may haunt TU following a 44-25 loss to the Knights in the Conference USA Championship game.
The sound will probably be mixed with the rabid cheers of 44,128 gold-clad UCF fans after every score, sack and interception. Then there are the chants of "Heisman" after UCF running back Kevin Smith chewed up 284 rushing yards against the Golden Hurricane defense.
Tulsa ended one win short of a season goal of a league title. And it may sting for a while.
"To get to this game and lose, it definitely hurts," TU's Tarrion Adams said. "I hurt for the seniors."
Eric Bailey: Tulsa World
UCF's formula for winning works again
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/college/article.aspx?subjectID=94&articleID=071202_2_B13_spanc30072
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Tulsa said it would be different this time against Central Florida.
But, it really wasn't.
"We did some poor things," Tulsa coach Todd Graham said. "It was just not our day."
Central Florida followed a script that worked so well earlier this season in a victory over Tulsa.
TU found it difficult to protect quarterback Paul Smith and UCF's Kevin Smith ran wild as Central Florida won the Conference USA Championship Game, 44-25, Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium.
It was deja vu. All over again.
John Klein: Tulsa World
But, it really wasn't.
"We did some poor things," Tulsa coach Todd Graham said. "It was just not our day."
Central Florida followed a script that worked so well earlier this season in a victory over Tulsa.
TU found it difficult to protect quarterback Paul Smith and UCF's Kevin Smith ran wild as Central Florida won the Conference USA Championship Game, 44-25, Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium.
It was deja vu. All over again.
John Klein: Tulsa World
UCF finally wins a big home game
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/CollegeSports/sptFBC02120207.htm
ORLANDO -- In racing, "The Big One" is the term used to describe a big wreck on NASCAR's superspeedways.
Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium, UCF found itself in the "Big One" at home -- but had no trouble driving up and down the field.
The win was a long time coming for a program that hadn't won a big game at home since it defeated William & Mary 52-38 in the 1990 Division I-AA playoffs.
A couple of big wins have come on the road the last 17 years, but nothing like Saturday's 44-25 victory over Tulsa in the Conference USA Championship Game.
BUDDY SHACKLETTE : Daytona Beach News Journal
Respect coming to UCF running back Kevin Smith
http://floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071202/COLUMNISTS0306/712020336/1065/SPORTS
ORLANDO - If Kevin Smith wore a necktie, he'd be tugging at it.
Then again, maybe Kevin Smith is a little too young to recall Rodney Dangerfield and the late comic's "I get no respect" shtick.
Come to think of it, UCF's sensational running back is probably also too young to recall a couple of Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs by the names Marcus Allen and Barry Sanders.
The former, Marcus Allen, Smith passed Saturday to move into second place on college football's all-time single-season rushing list. The latter, Barry Sanders, Smith now trails by 180 yards with one game to play.
Pete Kerasotis: Florida Today
UCF will face Mississippi State's tough defense in Liberty Bowl
UCF Coach George O'Leary woke up to a surprise the morning after his Knights' 44-25 victory over Tulsa in Saturday's Conference USA Championship Game.
"My wife came to me and showed me a 'For Sale' sign she'd kept and never showed me that somebody had put in our yard after the USF game," he said smiling. "I just kind of laughed it off. It's whatever, you just move on. It's all a part of the college football scene."
That scene had a different view Sunday. But the Knights' euphoria was muted slightly as the coaching staff awaited news of their opponent for the Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl.
"My wife came to me and showed me a 'For Sale' sign she'd kept and never showed me that somebody had put in our yard after the USF game," he said smiling. "I just kind of laughed it off. It's whatever, you just move on. It's all a part of the college football scene."
That scene had a different view Sunday. But the Knights' euphoria was muted slightly as the coaching staff awaited news of their opponent for the Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl.
It came shortly before 2 p.m. as the Liberty Bowl announced Mississippi State as UCF's foe.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
UCF Knights, fans relish win and upcoming trip to Liberty Bowl
A human sea of black and gold went wild Saturday, stomping feet, doing the wave and rattling a new stadium as the University of Central Florida walloped Tulsa to win its first conference championship.
"UCF! UCF!" the crowd of about 44,000 cheered at the moment of victory. "Rush the field! Rush the field!"
They didn't, but fans at Bright House Networks Stadium created a deafening roar as they celebrated and sang Queen's victory anthem "We Are the Champions."
"UCF! UCF!" the crowd of about 44,000 cheered at the moment of victory. "Rush the field! Rush the field!"
They didn't, but fans at Bright House Networks Stadium created a deafening roar as they celebrated and sang Queen's victory anthem "We Are the Champions."
The win means UCF is bound for the Dec. 29 Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tenn., to face a Southeastern Conference team and attempt another school first: a postseason bowl win.
Susan Jacobson: Orlando Sentinel
Smith rocks Tulsa like a hurricane
The first domino to fall was Kyle Israel.
His team in front of him, lined up in victory formation, the UCF senior quarterback called for the snap and took a knee.
Popping up, he looked toward the Bright House Networks Stadium scoreboard and at the fading clock to see if that play would be enough to give the Knights a 44-25 victory and their first Conference USA championship.
His team in front of him, lined up in victory formation, the UCF senior quarterback called for the snap and took a knee.
Popping up, he looked toward the Bright House Networks Stadium scoreboard and at the fading clock to see if that play would be enough to give the Knights a 44-25 victory and their first Conference USA championship.
His final official deed complete and the mission accomplished, he snatched off his helmet and ran toward the student section behind him with his arms raised.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Knights are kings of Conference USA
UCF completes its amazing turnaround
You can keep the Heisman.
You can keep the Doak Walker, too.
And you can keep every other national award, accolade, trophy and trinket.
You can keep the Doak Walker, too.
And you can keep every other national award, accolade, trophy and trinket.
"We've got something better," UCF's record-breaking running back Kevin Smith said after running for 284 yards and four touchdowns in Saturday's historic, euphoric 44-25 victory over Tulsa. "We've got a conference championship. I'll take that over a Heisman any day. The conference championship trophy doesn't have anybody's individual name on it -- it only has the name of your team."
Mike Bianchi: Orlando Sentinel
UCF's defensive line stands out in win over Tulsa
The Knights sack Tulsa's Paul Smith 6 times and pick off the quarterback 3 times.
Whenever the question has come up this season about what has been the biggest contributing factor to the success of his defense, UCF Coach George O'Leary hasn't needed much time to think about it:
The defensive line, no question.
While there might have been room for argument at times over the past six weeks, after its performance in the Knights' 44-25 victory over Tulsa Saturday, the defensive line left little doubt for even the most skeptical observer.
The defensive line, no question.
While there might have been room for argument at times over the past six weeks, after its performance in the Knights' 44-25 victory over Tulsa Saturday, the defensive line left little doubt for even the most skeptical observer.
Six weeks after sacking one of the nation's most prolific passers in Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith four times, the Knights' defensive line got him six times Saturday.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Knights bulled over in Tampa once again
USF 75, UCF 67
TAMPA - With less than a minute in regulation, the UCF men's basketball stood just one possession away from a historic victory or yet another dreadful loss to South Florida.
Only problem was it left the Bulls' dangerously quick freshman guard, Dominique Jones, to answer its fate.
Jones, who finished with a career-high 30 points, lobbed a layup with 43 seconds left to end any hope of a Knights victory in the 75-67 defeat at the Sun Dome on Saturday. It was the first meeting between the schools in four years and a UCF victory would have marked its first win against USF since 1994.
Shannon Owens: Orlando Sentinel
Only problem was it left the Bulls' dangerously quick freshman guard, Dominique Jones, to answer its fate.
Jones, who finished with a career-high 30 points, lobbed a layup with 43 seconds left to end any hope of a Knights victory in the 75-67 defeat at the Sun Dome on Saturday. It was the first meeting between the schools in four years and a UCF victory would have marked its first win against USF since 1994.
Shannon Owens: Orlando Sentinel
Another dazzling display for UCF's Kevin Smith
Kevin Smith's 284 yards on 39 carries has fans asking the junior to return for his senior year.
A crowd of 100 or so people waited outside the UCF locker room following the Knights' 44-25 victory Saturday afternoon in the Conference USA Championship Game.
And when running back Kevin Smith finally emerged, the fans serenaded him.
"One more year!" they chanted. "One more year! One more year!"
And when running back Kevin Smith finally emerged, the fans serenaded him.
"One more year!" they chanted. "One more year! One more year!"
Who could possibly blame them for wanting the day's hero to return for his senior season? On Saturday, Smith rushed for 284 yards and four touchdowns to lead UCF to its first conference title and earn most valuable player honors.
Josh Robbins: Orlando Sentinel
Friday, November 30, 2007
A 2,000 odyssey for UCF's Smith
UCF's Kevin Smith leads the nation in rushing yards, a distinction he reached in part because of a mother and brother who wouldn't succumb to life-threatening situations.
Remarkable story, isn't it?
A high school football player from the heart of Miami who gets largely overlooked in recruiting and goes to a school he has never heard of to become arguably the most productive runner in college football three years into the process.
Not really.
At least not compared to the complete story. The one that starts with his family.
Kevin Smith is the University of Central Florida running back who refuses to be ignored, leading the country in rushing yards, rushing attempts, scoring and 100-yard games.
ISRAEL GUTIERREZ: Miami Herald
No Heisman, no worries
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/Headlines/sptFBC03113007.htm
ORLANDO -- Despite downright gaudy rushing numbers, UCF's Kevin Smith won't be a part of the Heisman Trophy Award presentation in New York next week.
The only person who doesn't seem to be too concerned about that is Smith. He has his mind on other matters, such as the Knights winning the Conference USA championship Saturday afternoon vs. Tulsa.
But that's typical Smith. In the midst of one of the greatest single-season offensive performances in NCAA history, he has downplayed his individual significance. His humility has never wavered, nor has his focus on taking UCF to the top of the C-USA heap.
"Forget all of the awards, we're playing for a championship and a championship was our goal from Day 1," Smith said.
SHAWN A. AKERS: Daytona Beach News Journal
Kay's UCF voyage
A year ago at this time, Ricky Kay had just finished his high school football career for the DeLand High Bulldogs.
He also thought he was done with football altogether. He was deemed a decent college prospect, but he had no scholarship offers. While he was a little despondent because of this, he was cheered up by the fact baseball seemed to be his salvation.
So much has changed in a year.
Kay will suit up for the University of Central Florida in the Conference USA championship game to be played at noon Saturday on ESPN before what is expected to be a sellout crowd at Bright House Networks Stadium.
Tony Jones: Daytona Beach News JournalConference USA Championship: Smith versus Smith
Star Smiths set to battle for C-USA trophy
ORLANDO, Fla. -- A Smith will hold the Conference USA trophy high over his head following Saturday's league championship game.
Will it be Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith, who has already set six school records and five C-USA marks this season?
Or is it going to be University of Central Florida running back Kevin Smith, who is the NCAA's leading rusher with 2,164 yards this season?
Both Smiths were voted C-USA co-offensive players of the year by a media panel on Wednesday. Both have played in the league championship game before, when Tulsa defeated the Knights in 2005. Both have been cornerstones of magical journeys that have led to returns to the C-USA title game.
But only one player will reach his goal.
Will it be Tulsa quarterback Paul Smith, who has already set six school records and five C-USA marks this season?
Or is it going to be University of Central Florida running back Kevin Smith, who is the NCAA's leading rusher with 2,164 yards this season?
Both Smiths were voted C-USA co-offensive players of the year by a media panel on Wednesday. Both have played in the league championship game before, when Tulsa defeated the Knights in 2005. Both have been cornerstones of magical journeys that have led to returns to the C-USA title game.
But only one player will reach his goal.
Eric Bailey: TulsaWorld.com
2007 not the best for C-USA
Still, the conference is in much better shape than was projected after it lost teams to the Big East.
It was four days before the big day, but Conference USA Commissioner Britton Banowsky was already smiling as he paced the corridors of Bright House Networks Stadium earlier this week.
It had been just two months since his last visit for UCF's home opener against Texas, but he could still visualize national television cameras, clumps of tailgaters and fans experiencing a college football atmosphere the east Orlando school had never seen before.
This Saturday, when UCF and Tulsa meet in the league's third conference championship game, Banowsky will again be celebrating that atmosphere when he walks into Bright House. A sellout crowd is expected and the same ESPN cameras will again be focused on a league many thought would die just three years after being raided by the Big East.
It had been just two months since his last visit for UCF's home opener against Texas, but he could still visualize national television cameras, clumps of tailgaters and fans experiencing a college football atmosphere the east Orlando school had never seen before.
This Saturday, when UCF and Tulsa meet in the league's third conference championship game, Banowsky will again be celebrating that atmosphere when he walks into Bright House. A sellout crowd is expected and the same ESPN cameras will again be focused on a league many thought would die just three years after being raided by the Big East.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Tulsa-UCF matches fuel young rivalry
Revenge will be the word of the day Saturday when Tulsa and UCF meet for the second time this season. The Knights avenged their 2005 title game loss with a victory over the Golden Hurricane in October.
The league is short on rivalries so this may be the closest thing Conference USA has to one right now.
Tulsa senior SS Anthony Germany said he expects this installment between the schools to be the toughest to date.
The league is short on rivalries so this may be the closest thing Conference USA has to one right now.
Tulsa senior SS Anthony Germany said he expects this installment between the schools to be the toughest to date.
"Anytime that you lose to someone, especially in football, knowing that your chances of getting to play them are slim to none most times, it usually sticks in the back of your mind," he said. "... They are the best team in Conference USA right now, and we are going to clash on Saturday and see who is the best."
Jumpy fans worry UCF, but officials call stadium safe
Some frenzied football fans at the University of Central Florida are calling their new stadium "The Trampoline" -- and treating it like one.
Fans have discovered they can make the upper deck bounce by jumping up and down at once.
Their cue to go crazy: the techno-pop dance beat of Zombie Nation's Kernkraft 400.
Fans have discovered they can make the upper deck bounce by jumping up and down at once.
Their cue to go crazy: the techno-pop dance beat of Zombie Nation's Kernkraft 400.
"It's fun!" sophomore Michelle Martin says of the bouncing sensation that resulted in the trampoline nickname.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Central Florida RB Kevin Smith quietly turning in record rushing year
ORLANDO, Fla. - The nation's leading rusher leaves practice just days before playing in a conference championship game without facing a swarm of reporters.
Such is life at Central Florida for Kevin Smith, who has quietly put together one of the best seasons for a running back in college football history.
He has run for 2,164 yards this season, fourth-best in NCAA history, and still has two games to play. The junior has 26 touchdowns, a 300-yard game and five more with at least 200 yards. At the rate he's going, only Barry Sanders' 2,628 yards in 1989 will stand ahead of Smith's total this season.
Smith gets to add to those totals Saturday in the Conference USA championship against Tulsa.
Travis Reed: AP
Success boosts bottom line for UCF sports
Winning and major moves tend to raise donations to UCF's athletics program.
Raising money for UCF's sports programs used to be a struggle.
During the 1998 fiscal year, 1,000 people made donations totaling $544,000 -- low figures for a university as large as UCF.
But the financial picture looks much rosier these days. Last fiscal year, 4,100 people gave $7.1 million to the athletic program, and now school officials hope that their football team's successful 2007 season will lead to even greater contributions.
"Our fund raising is at a completely different level than it was when I first got here in 1999," said Tim Leonard, the school's associate athletic director for development. "The biggest difference is just the credibility of the program. People just perceive us differently. If we can just keep on winning, I think things will just take off."During the 1998 fiscal year, 1,000 people made donations totaling $544,000 -- low figures for a university as large as UCF.
But the financial picture looks much rosier these days. Last fiscal year, 4,100 people gave $7.1 million to the athletic program, and now school officials hope that their football team's successful 2007 season will lead to even greater contributions.
Sentinel
O'Leary named coach of the year
UCF Coach George O'Leary will go into Saturday's Conference USA title game against Tulsa celebrating his second league coach of the year honor in three seasons.
The announcement came Wednesday after votes were tallied from selected C-USA media from each member city. Also honored by the league's media Wednesday was junior TB Kevin Smith, who shared the league's player of the year honors with Tulsa QB Paul Smith.
In last Saturday's regular season finale against UTEP, Kevin Smith became the first running back in state history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, giving him the national rushing lead with 2,164 yards this season. He also leads the nation with a league-record 26 touchdowns. He was C-USA freshman of the year in 2005.
The announcement came Wednesday after votes were tallied from selected C-USA media from each member city. Also honored by the league's media Wednesday was junior TB Kevin Smith, who shared the league's player of the year honors with Tulsa QB Paul Smith.
In last Saturday's regular season finale against UTEP, Kevin Smith became the first running back in state history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, giving him the national rushing lead with 2,164 yards this season. He also leads the nation with a league-record 26 touchdowns. He was C-USA freshman of the year in 2005.
Sentinel
Following Old Spice Classic, Knights defeat Presbyterian
UCF 80, Presbyterian 53
After battling teams from the Big East, Big XII and Big Ten at the Old Spice Classic over Thanksgiving weekend, the UCF basketball team returned home Wednesday to a Presbyterian team still looking for its first Division I victory.
But the Knights didn't take their foot off the gas.
Jermaine Taylor scored 22 points and Tony Davis added 14 as the Knights trounced Presbyterian 80-53 in front of 4,733 at the new UCF Arena.
Sentinel
But the Knights didn't take their foot off the gas.
Jermaine Taylor scored 22 points and Tony Davis added 14 as the Knights trounced Presbyterian 80-53 in front of 4,733 at the new UCF Arena.
Sentinel
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
C-USA Media Names UCF's O'Leary Coach of the Year
IRVING, Texas - After leading his squad to the C-USA East Division title and a berth in the 2007 Bright House Networks Conference USA Football Championship Game, UCF head coach George O'Leary has been named the C-USA Coach of the Year, as selected by the league's media members in each conference city. The East Division title highlights a year that saw O'Leary lead UCF to a 9-3 overall record and win the East for the second time in three campaigns in the league.
The Knights' nine wins on the year tie for the most since UCF moved to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 1996. O'Leary's Knights have now won six-consecutive contests entering Saturday's championship game. The streak marks just the second time in program history that UCF has claimed six-straight victories (1990).
Conference USA
Improved UCF ready for Tulsa
http://www.tulsaworld.com/sports/baseball/article.aspx?subjectID=94&articleID=071128_2_B1_hOLea12636
O'Leary's Knights aim for a happy end to 2007 title game.
The University of Central Florida relied on a tough bunch when its football season could have slipped away.
Demoralized after a 64-12 loss to in-state rival South Florida, the Knights sat at 3-3 when Tulsa visited Bright House Networks Stadium on Oct. 20.
"(The senior leadership) did a great job of saying we set goals for this football team and they're still there," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "A lot of times, when you lose a couple of games, they don't keep that goal in sight.
"I think we did a good job of keeping a vision of what we wanted to do at the end of the year."
The Knights (9-3) finished the regular season with a six-game winning streak, starting with a 44-23 win against TU on that October afternoon.
The teams will meet again in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday to play in the Conference USA championship game. Kickoff for the ESPN contest is 11 a.m.
Eric Bailey; Tulsa World
Demoralized after a 64-12 loss to in-state rival South Florida, the Knights sat at 3-3 when Tulsa visited Bright House Networks Stadium on Oct. 20.
"(The senior leadership) did a great job of saying we set goals for this football team and they're still there," UCF coach George O'Leary said. "A lot of times, when you lose a couple of games, they don't keep that goal in sight.
"I think we did a good job of keeping a vision of what we wanted to do at the end of the year."
The Knights (9-3) finished the regular season with a six-game winning streak, starting with a 44-23 win against TU on that October afternoon.
The teams will meet again in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday to play in the Conference USA championship game. Kickoff for the ESPN contest is 11 a.m.
Eric Bailey; Tulsa World
Knight without honor
UCF's Kevin Smith getting slighted by voters
George O'Leary doesn't have to stretch his ocular muscles to see big things for his prized running back, Kevin Smith.
"I can see him standing in New York City . . . ," said O'Leary, UCF's head football coach.
But here's the kicker, the tag line, the reason why we added ellipses dots to his statement. You see, here is O'Leary's complete sentence, uninterrupted:
"I can see him standing in New York City next year."
Not next week.
Though he should be.
Peter Kerasotis: Florida Today
Israel relishing senior season at the helm
Four years after arriving at UCF, the quarterback has overcome many obstacles to lead the Knights.
At first, he thought his career was over.
That's what UCF senior quarterback Kyle Israel said first raced through his mind as he was helped off the field in the opening minutes of the Knights' 36-20 victory over UTEP last Saturday.
Only a few minutes before, Israel had taken just his second snap in probably the biggest game of his career. But when he heard his knee pop as he was driven to the Bright House Networks Stadium turf, nothing about his three-year journey to get to that moment mattered.
That's what UCF senior quarterback Kyle Israel said first raced through his mind as he was helped off the field in the opening minutes of the Knights' 36-20 victory over UTEP last Saturday.
Only a few minutes before, Israel had taken just his second snap in probably the biggest game of his career. But when he heard his knee pop as he was driven to the Bright House Networks Stadium turf, nothing about his three-year journey to get to that moment mattered.
His knee throbbing and his mind darting, he was thinking only the worst.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
O'Leary isn't going anywhere
George O'Leary feels at home at UCF, and he isn't going anywhere.
It's great for the talk-radio business.
It keeps the message boards humming.
But there's no truth to any of it.
It keeps the message boards humming.
But there's no truth to any of it.
None at all.
All the rumor and speculation you keep hearing about George O'Leary leaving UCF for one of the 4,378 college football coaching jobs that have opened up in the last week is based on absolutely nothing. O'Leary isn't going anywhere. He is adamant that he will finish off his coaching career at UCF.
Mike Bianchi: Orlando Sentinel
All the rumor and speculation you keep hearing about George O'Leary leaving UCF for one of the 4,378 college football coaching jobs that have opened up in the last week is based on absolutely nothing. O'Leary isn't going anywhere. He is adamant that he will finish off his coaching career at UCF.
Mike Bianchi: Orlando Sentinel
Knights place 11 on C-USA teams
UCF placed a league-high eight players on the media's All-Conference USA First Team, released by conference officials on Tuesday.
The Knights had seven representatives on the first team, with junior Joe Burnett making it as both a cornerback and punt returner. UCF also had two players make the second team and three players on the All-Freshman team.
Junior TB Kevin Smith, who leads Division I-A in rushing with 2,164 yards and 26 touchdowns, was joined on the first team offense by three of his offensive linemen in junior Pat Brown and seniors Josh Sitton and Kyle Smith. That trio has combined for 121 starts.
The Knights had seven representatives on the first team, with junior Joe Burnett making it as both a cornerback and punt returner. UCF also had two players make the second team and three players on the All-Freshman team.
Junior TB Kevin Smith, who leads Division I-A in rushing with 2,164 yards and 26 touchdowns, was joined on the first team offense by three of his offensive linemen in junior Pat Brown and seniors Josh Sitton and Kyle Smith. That trio has combined for 121 starts.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Title-game tickets a hot item at UCF
School athletics officials hope to know the exact number of tickets sold by today.
Tickets are going fast as UCF prepares to host its second Conference USA Championship Game in three years Saturday.
Matt DiFebo, UCF's associate athletics director for external services, said Monday that tickets were selling at a "feverish" pace with online ticket requests going "non-stop."
"The demand is extremely high and what we expected with the excitement around the game," DiFebo said.
Matt DiFebo, UCF's associate athletics director for external services, said Monday that tickets were selling at a "feverish" pace with online ticket requests going "non-stop."
"The demand is extremely high and what we expected with the excitement around the game," DiFebo said.
DiFebo didn't have a ticket sales figure Monday but intends to give a more specific update at today's title-game press conference when he said reserve tickets from last week's advance offering to UCF season ticket holders would be tallied.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Smith, Hogue earn C-USA top honors vs. Tulsa Saturday, noon TV: ESPN
Following strong performances in UCF's 36-20 win over UTEP Saturday, junior TB Kevin Smith and junior LB Cory Hogue were named Conference USA offensive and defensive players of the week on Monday.
Smith rushed for 219 yards and a touchdown against the Miners and became the first running back in state history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season. He's rushed for 4,276 yards in his career, which moves him past UF's Errict Rhett for first on the all-time charts in the Sunshine State.
Hogue took his first weekly honor and third for a Knights defender this season after posting a career-best 13 tackles while helping hold UTEP to just 28 rushing yards.
Smith rushed for 219 yards and a touchdown against the Miners and became the first running back in state history to surpass 2,000 yards in a season. He's rushed for 4,276 yards in his career, which moves him past UF's Errict Rhett for first on the all-time charts in the Sunshine State.
Hogue took his first weekly honor and third for a Knights defender this season after posting a career-best 13 tackles while helping hold UTEP to just 28 rushing yards.
Monday, November 26, 2007
UCF Teammates Earn Offensive and Defensive Honors
After clinching the East Division of Conference USA with a win over UTEP on Saturday, UCF takes home the final Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week honors for the 2007 season. Junior RB Kevin Smith gained his fourth Offensive Player of the Week award this year after rushing for 219 yards and topping the 2,000-yard mark for the season. Junior LB Cory Hogue earned the Defensive nod after registering a career-high 13 tackles against the Miners. Special Teams recognition went to Memphis sophomore K Matt Reagan, who finished off a 13-point day by kicking the game-winning field goal in triple-overtime against SMU.
Conference USA
Knights win East Division
UCF set to host C-USA title game
ORLANDO -- The celebration for UCF was two-pronged Saturday night at Bright House Networks Stadium.
First and foremost, the Knights accomplished their big goal of the season, winning the East Division of Conference USA with a 36-20 victory over UTEP. UCF's sixth consecutive victory allows it to host the C-USA title game next Saturday against Tulsa, a team it defeated earlier this season, 44-23.
In addition, Knights running back Kevin Smith had another monster performance. The junior ran for 219 yards and one touchdown and, in the process, became the first Florida college football player to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a single season. Smith passed TCU's LaDanian Tomlinson for fourth on the NCAA single-season rushing list with 2,164 yards.
SHAWN A. AKERS: Orlando Sentinel
UCF plays for all the marbles
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Sports/CollegeSports/sptFBC03112407.htm
ORLANDO -- Two weeks ago, the prospects for making it to the Conference USA championship game weren't looking very good for UCF. The Knights needed to win their final three games, plus an East Carolina loss to reach the title tilt. With the way the Pirates were playing, the latter didn't seem likely. Call it fate, the unlikely all of a sudden seems possible. With East Carolina's loss to Marshall on Nov. 10, UCF once again controls its own destiny. The Knights (8-3, 6-1) can win the East Division and clinch a spot in the C-USA title game today with a victory over UTEP (4-7, 2-5) in the regular-season finale at Bright House Networks Stadium. Should UCF win, it would host either Tulsa or Houston on Dec. 1.Shawn Akers: Daytona Beach News Journal 11/24/07
UCF gets another shot at Conference USA championship game
It had been only a few minutes since his team had galloped off its home field, the countdown having started on the arrival of its second Conference USA title game in three years.
But as much as people kept trying to make him excited about UCF's 36-20 win over UTEP Saturday, Knights Coach George O'Leary refused to waver on his biggest postgame sentiment.
His team isn't satisfied just being C-USA East Division champs.
But as much as people kept trying to make him excited about UCF's 36-20 win over UTEP Saturday, Knights Coach George O'Leary refused to waver on his biggest postgame sentiment.
His team isn't satisfied just being C-USA East Division champs.
"[Saturday's win] gives us the division outright, [but] as I told our players, that wasn't our deal," O'Leary said. "Our deal was the conference championship. We have another week of practice and we'll go from there."
UCF rallies from back-to-back losses to beat Penn State
UCF 70, Penn State 59
The Knights rally to beat the Nittany Lions in the final round of the tournament.
This one was about respect.
UCF took an emotional beating in the Old Spice Classic, dropping back-to-back games to Top 20 opponents by an average of five points.
The Knights were feeling especially bad after faltering late against No. 18 Kansas State and losing 73-71 in overtime Friday night.
UCF took an emotional beating in the Old Spice Classic, dropping back-to-back games to Top 20 opponents by an average of five points.
The Knights were feeling especially bad after faltering late against No. 18 Kansas State and losing 73-71 in overtime Friday night.
Instead of tacking on another loss, UCF rallied to beat Penn State 70-59 Sunday in the final round of the tournament played at Disney.
Sentinel
Sentinel
UCF secures berth in C-USA title game against Tulsa
UCF senior quarterback Kyle Israel was looking for somebody to hug.
Coming up empty, he trotted toward the middle of the field, a 36-20 scoreboard and Conference USA East Division title at his back. About halfway there, he started to bounce up and down, like a wind-up toy with a fresh battery, pushing his helmet in the direction of the sky.
Five weeks ago, nothing about that moment seemed possible for Israel or his Knights' teammates coming off the worst loss in their Division I-A history to USF.
Coming up empty, he trotted toward the middle of the field, a 36-20 scoreboard and Conference USA East Division title at his back. About halfway there, he started to bounce up and down, like a wind-up toy with a fresh battery, pushing his helmet in the direction of the sky.
Five weeks ago, nothing about that moment seemed possible for Israel or his Knights' teammates coming off the worst loss in their Division I-A history to USF.
But six consecutive victories later, the Knights' victory against UTEP on Saturday has given them a shot to do what no UCF team has: win a conference championship on its home field.
Defense dishes out strong plays vs. UTEP's offense
UTEP's offense was supposedly going to be a big headache for the Knights.
Instead, it was UCF's defense that dished out the pain.
The Miners entered Saturday's game ranked third in Conference USA in scoring offense, averaging 34.8 points per game.
Instead, it was UCF's defense that dished out the pain.
The Miners entered Saturday's game ranked third in Conference USA in scoring offense, averaging 34.8 points per game.
UTEP ended the game with 20 points, including one touchdown.
The Knights sacked UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe twice and snagged two game-changing interceptions that shut down the Miners' shot at a comeback.
The Knights sacked UTEP quarterback Trevor Vittatoe twice and snagged two game-changing interceptions that shut down the Miners' shot at a comeback.
Smith surpasses 2,000-yard mark
UCF 36, UTEP 20
He rushes for 219 yards and leads the nation with a season total of 2,164 yards.
Kevin Smith swears all the records in the world don't matter, but he still cradled the game ball in his hands like it was precious.
He was toting the ball he used to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing this season, a feat unrivaled by a slew of other marquee players who have graced Florida football fields.
"This ball is going straight to my mama," he said. "It definitely belongs to her."
He was toting the ball he used to eclipse 2,000 yards rushing this season, a feat unrivaled by a slew of other marquee players who have graced Florida football fields.
"This ball is going straight to my mama," he said. "It definitely belongs to her."
Smith, UCF's star running back, didn't stray from his tradition of deflecting praise.
Sentinel
UCF's Smith adds to state's list of great running backs
The state of Florida has produced a number of great running backs, including all-time NFL rushing leader Emmitt Smith of the University of Florida.
But with 6:45 left in the second quarter, Kevin Smith did something no collegiate back in state history had ever done: With a 7-yard carry, he passed the 2,000-yard barrier. His 211 yards left him with 2,164 on the season, good for fourth all-time.
The season was expanded to 12 games last year. He will need 141 yards against Tulsa next week to win the national rushing title.
Some other marks from the junior: His 11th 100-yard game is a Conference USA single-season record; his 4,276 career yards break the Florida record, held by the University of Florida's Eric Rhett, who had 4,057 for the Gators from 1990-93; his 46 carries were a school record.
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
Miners play better, still lose to UCF
ORLANDO -- At the end of a lost season, UTEP proved a whole lot better at playing for pride than it did for a bowl.
Against a lesser opponent than Central Florida, that might have been good for a happy ending. As it was, the Miners' best November game was good for a 36-20 loss against a 9-3 Knights team that secured a spot as the host of next week's Conference USA title game against Tulsa.
"I thought we had two good games against two of the best running backs in the country," linebacker Adam Vincent said of UCF's Kevin Smith and Tulane's Matt Forte, who are the two national rushing leaders. "It sucks that we didn't come out with a win. It was awesome playing with these guys (UTEP's seniors); we played a good game. If we had made a few more stops and the offense cold have scored a few more points, we could have won."
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
Knights in
UCF 36, UTEP 20
Smith's surge sends UCF to title game
He'd just scored the game's final touchdown Saturday and given his team all the points it would need to beat UTEP and reach next week's Conference USA Championship game.
But it wasn't until he reached the sideline and got a word from equipment manager Robert Jones that UCF junior tailback Kevin Smith finally revealed a smile brighter than the flashing 36-20 Bright House Networks Stadium scoreboard.
"I told you that you'd get it," Jones said as he gave a congratulatory slap to Smith's shoulder pads.
But it wasn't until he reached the sideline and got a word from equipment manager Robert Jones that UCF junior tailback Kevin Smith finally revealed a smile brighter than the flashing 36-20 Bright House Networks Stadium scoreboard.
"I told you that you'd get it," Jones said as he gave a congratulatory slap to Smith's shoulder pads.
Division title awaits for UCF
About a month and a half ago, UCF Coach George O'Leary was about to end practice when he decided his team needed a little more conditioning.
Directing the entire Knights roster to line up across the sideline, he decided he'd have his team run by classes.
It was no sooner than he'd yelled out "seniors" that he first really got his first true visual confirmation of what he already noted on paper before the season.
Directing the entire Knights roster to line up across the sideline, he decided he'd have his team run by classes.
It was no sooner than he'd yelled out "seniors" that he first really got his first true visual confirmation of what he already noted on paper before the season.
Another upset bid falls short for UCF
NO. 18 KANSAS STATE 73, UCF 71, OT
The Knights rally to force overtime but miss their chance to beat a ranked team
It almost was a signature win.
The kind of win that can change a season and impress NCAA Tournament selection committees.
Instead, the UCF Knights had to settle for a moral victory.
The kind of win that can change a season and impress NCAA Tournament selection committees.
Instead, the UCF Knights had to settle for a moral victory.
The Knights (2-2) had No. 18 Kansas State (4-1) on the ropes but couldn't pull off the upset. The Wildcats escaped with a 73-71 win in overtime during the second round of the Old Spice Classic at Disney Friday night.
"To state the obvious, we're very disappointed," UCF guard Mike O'Donnell said.
"To state the obvious, we're very disappointed," UCF guard Mike O'Donnell said.
Sentinel
Knights can't overcome Wildcats
VILLANOVA 76, UCF 68
It was a make-or-break moment.
The UCF Knights were crumbling under heavy pressure heaped on by No. 20 Villanova.
Instead of folding, the Knights decided it was time to give the Wildcats a taste of their own medicine.
The UCF Knights were crumbling under heavy pressure heaped on by No. 20 Villanova.
Instead of folding, the Knights decided it was time to give the Wildcats a taste of their own medicine.
"We looked at each other at the half and decided it was time to get back to playing UCF basketball," Knights guard Mike O'Donnell said. "This was a big game for us. You'd always rather win these games, but it's more important you prove you can fight."
Sentinel
Sentinel
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hope you have a great Thanksgiving! Go see the Knights hoops team @ Disney vs Villanova or watch them on ESPN2.
Smith must stay in line to be in lineup
Click on the pic to go to the link
UCF worked out in shorts for just the second time in over a month and a half as they went inside Nicholson Field House Wednesday.
Junior TB Phillip Smith got a few more snaps than usual with the offense and is expected to be in the game plan for Saturday's finale against UTEP.
Coach George O'Leary said the plan has been to integrate Smith into the lineup more, though the charge to stay there is on him.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
UTEP offense poses problems
http://www.elpasotimes.com/sports/ci_7529999
UCF knows it has its hands full with Miners
Central Florida head coach George O'Leary is impressed by what he has seen from the Miner offense.
"I think when you look at them on film, I think they have a lot of really good athletes," O'Leary said. "They are a spread offense that is pretty much like everyone else. (They) open it up. They isolate you one-on-one on the field and their running back (Marcus Thomas) is good. There are four or five kids that will be NFL guys off that football team. (Mike Price) has some talent there.
"Defensively, we have to make sure that we make plays. We cannot be on the field as long as we have been. I think that we are stingy in giving up points at times, but there are just not enough three and outs. We have to make plays and create more situations, let your athletes run."
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
UCF Knights set for national spotlight
Click on pic to go link
UCF is hoping to use the Old Spice Classic to create buzz about its basketball program.
UCF Coach Kirk Speraw has never liked to think too far ahead about the future of his basketball team.
Last season when the Knights (2-0) posted a surprise second-place finish in Conference USA, Speraw shied away from all questions that dealt with how that one season could elevate his program.
He's also refused to do it this week, though it's hard to deny that UCF's invitation to compete in this weekend's Old Spice Classic at Disney Wide World of Sports might say something about how the Knights are inching up in the college hoops world.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
Iraq war veteran and UCF LB Robenson Jean fought for his country -- and for a chance to play college football
Click on pic to go to link
In a quiet apartment far away from the crashes, chaos and uncertainty of war, UCF senior Robenson Jean sits on his couch, clicking buttons on his laptop and remembering.
He's dressed casually in flip-flops, jeans and a black T-shirt. He resembles any other college student relaxing after a day of classes, except for the worn camouflage jacket he wears.
His eyes scan across the galleries of photos on the screen. They reveal snapshots of desert, debris and guys -- himself included -- holding machine guns.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
UCF poses big threat to Miners in season finale
Conference USA tells us "Competition lives here," but evidently the Heisman race doesn't.
The obscurity of mid-major football is the only reason Central Florida running back Kevin Smith isn't at the front of it,because on the field, from snap to whistle, he's playing the game as well right now as it can be played.
"I think he has gotten better each week, each year," coach George O'Leary said of his star junior, who is first in the nation in scoring and second in rushing. "I think when he was a freshman, he was a kid that just tried to get the ball and get to the line of scrimmage as quickly as he could.
"As a sophomore, I think he started to see linemen and started to read (defenses). Now, I think he is like most good backs that carry the ball. They make the cut in the hole and they read the linebackers, the secondary level guys, because those are the guys that ultimately make the tackles.
"I think that is where he has improved himself."
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
Consistency a key for UTEP offense
While UTEP has struggled on defense, it's been solid on offense this year, and that's reflected by the starting lineups UTEP has used.
Only 14 different players have started on offense, a list that includes Donald Buckram starting the opener in place of a suspended Marcus Thomas, and Tufick Shadrawy earning his first start this past week in place of an injured Lorne Sam.
The other extra starter is Fred Rouse, who has been on the field for the first snap when UTEP has gone with a four-receiver set.
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
Classy Smith not bothered by Doak snub
The three finalists for the Joke, er, Doak Walker Award were announced this week.
And Kevin Smith wasn't one of them.
And do you want to know the best part about it?
And Kevin Smith wasn't one of them.
And do you want to know the best part about it?
He doesn't really care.
"Right now, we're trying to advance to the conference championship game," says Smith, the UCF junior who Saturday will likely become the first runner in state history to surpass the 2,000-yard mark in a single season. "That's what I'm about right now. You don't play football for awards. You play for your team
"For them to mention me for the award is an accomplishment in itself. I congratulate those who [were the three finalists] for the Doak Walker Award."
Mike Bianchi; Orlando Sentinel
Mike Bianchi; Orlando Sentinel
Chance to play for C-USA title is in UCF football team's hands
The biggest week to date in UCF's 2007 season has started. And thoughts of championships are definitely on the minds of the Knights' players.
Especially with the chance to wrap up Conference USA's East Division against UTEP in the confines of Bright House Networks Stadium.
"I don't think there's a better position," said junior CB Johnell Neal. "This is what we've fought for all year, to be in this spot. To play for a championship."
Especially with the chance to wrap up Conference USA's East Division against UTEP in the confines of Bright House Networks Stadium.
"I don't think there's a better position," said junior CB Johnell Neal. "This is what we've fought for all year, to be in this spot. To play for a championship."
Junior TB Kevin Smith, one of the catalysts in the Knights' current five-game winning streak, echoed his teammate's sentiments.
"This is what we've been working for since the summer," he said. "Sweating. Running on the track. Pushing weights. Lifting each other's spirits up when times get hard. So I think this is the position we want to be in right here."
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Tough UCF awaits UTEP Miners
The unfortunate thing to understand about UTEP's 2007 season is that, as improbable as this sounds, the 56-30 loss to a struggling Southern Mississippi may not be rock bottom.
After all, their total defense rating still puts them ahead of North Texas and Minnesota and scoring leader Kevin Smith of UCF awaits, looking to move from second to first in the national rushing race.
So yes, the Miners may have gone crashing through the basement floor when they gave up touchdowns on six consecutive Golden Eagle possessions to start the second half, but there is still a fiery pit below them.
"We're not throwing in the towel, we're not giving up," said safety Braxton Amy, who did have an interception Saturday. "We're playing for pride. We don't want to be losers. ... I feel good about our team, we're just struggling to get a win. I know we're a great team, we have a great upside, we're just not winning.
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
UTEP will need a bigupset to end losing skid
UCF is an 18-point favorite over UTEP, and the Miners will need a huge upset to avoid extending a long, bad streak.
Namely, the Miners haven't won the last game of their season since beating Utah 55-44 on Nov. 29, 1986.
As a frame of reference, that victory came a week after Mike Tyson won his first world boxing title.
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
Miners to play for pride Saturday
http://www.elpasotimes.com/minersmania/ci_7511664
The Mike Price era reaches its 36th game Saturday at Central Florida, and with it comes new ground.
For the first time in three seasons, UTEP enters a game with no shot at the postseason. When the game ends Saturday afternoon, the Miners are done.
"Every time we've played for a bowl game," Price said. "This is the first time we've played for pride only. This is something unusual.
"This is my last game with these guys and I'm going to make it good. We're going to have a positive mental attitude and do everything we can to win.
"We're flying to Orlando, their beautiful new stadium against one of the best teams in the conference. We want to be able to compete against these types of teams."
Bret Bloomquist / El Paso Times
RB Smith doesn't make cut for award
UCF junior TB Kevin Smith has posted one of the best offensive seasons in school history, but his efforts for now will be without national-award hardware this season.
A week after becoming the first UCF player to be named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, presented to nation's top running back, Smith missed the finalist cut announced Monday.
Michigan's Mike Hart, Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Rutgers' Ray Rice all made the final cut.
A week after becoming the first UCF player to be named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award, presented to nation's top running back, Smith missed the finalist cut announced Monday.
Michigan's Mike Hart, Arkansas' Darren McFadden and Rutgers' Ray Rice all made the final cut.
But Smith, just 55 yards away from the first 2,000-yard season in state history, had a tough road to making the final cut for the Doak.
Only three players from non-major conferences have ever won the award.
Monday, November 19, 2007
24K needs your help!
Rank 'Em: Doak Walker Award
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SMU can't contain UCF back
UNIVERSITY PARK – Central Florida junior running back Kevin Smith is only 55 yards away from becoming the first collegiate player in Florida to rush for 2,000 yards in a season.
The 6-1, 211-pound back from Miami didn't even play in the second half Saturday, but still gained 177 yards and scored two touchdowns. It was his 10th 100-yard game of the season.
Smith has 24 rushing touchdowns, breaking the previous Conference USA record held by Memphis' DeAngelo Williams (22). Smith's 25 total touchdowns broke Williams' C-USA mark of 23.
Smith has 4,057 career yards.
KATE HAIROPOULOS / The Dallas Morning News
SMU AD Orsini's past to collide with present
Steve Orsini watched from Arkansas State's press box as Central Florida, his former school, gave powerhouse Texas trouble on national television. It was Sept. 15, and a large, delighted crowd turned out to celebrate the opening of UCF's on-campus Bright House Networks Stadium, a project Orsini helped make happen.
But when the SMU athletic director turned from the TV to the field, the contrast couldn't have been more obvious.
His current school fell, 45-28, on a miserable night in Jonesboro, Ark. It was the start of the Mustangs' ongoing, eight-game losing streak and would lead to the end of Phil Bennett's tenure as coach.
One couldn't help but wonder what was going through Orsini's mind.
KATE HAIROPOULOS; The Dallas Morning News
UCF eager for shot at C-USA East title
Back in August when UCF opened practice for the 2007 season, its goal was spoken, written and understood by all.
Retooled, refocused and reinvented in the offseason, the Knights wanted to reclaim the Conference USA East Division title and play in the league title game.
But while the goal was always clear, coming off a 4-8 season the dream was admittedly a bit hard to visualize three months ago.
Retooled, refocused and reinvented in the offseason, the Knights wanted to reclaim the Conference USA East Division title and play in the league title game.
But while the goal was always clear, coming off a 4-8 season the dream was admittedly a bit hard to visualize three months ago.
With one week play it its regular season, however, what once only existed as preseason motivation now has a date, time and setting.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
O'Leary has composed his very own fight song
UCF, charge onto the field; With our spirit we'll never yield."
- University of Central Florida fight song
This is not exactly "Shake down the thunder from the sky!" but it will do. Everything about Central Florida will do just fine for George O'Leary, who has turned around another football program.
- University of Central Florida fight song
This is not exactly "Shake down the thunder from the sky!" but it will do. Everything about Central Florida will do just fine for George O'Leary, who has turned around another football program.
He has opened a 45,000- seat stadium and filled it. He has clinched another bowl game. His players graduate. He has taken another step further from yesterday.
Mark Herrmann : Newsday.com
Strong first half keys UCF's win against SMU
DALLAS - Taking one final peek at the 49-20 scoreboard, UCF Coach George O'Leary slipped off his headset and cupped it at his side, finally satisfied that his Knights had done enough to get past SMU on Saturday.
His team jumping and smiling around him as they trotted toward the locker room tunnel, he stopped briefly to accept the congratulating hand of UCF Athletic Director Keith Tribble.
O'Leary grinned as Tribble whispered something in his ear, but didn't end the embrace until offering him a one-liner back at Tribble that he'd echo to his team a few minutes later.
His team jumping and smiling around him as they trotted toward the locker room tunnel, he stopped briefly to accept the congratulating hand of UCF Athletic Director Keith Tribble.
O'Leary grinned as Tribble whispered something in his ear, but didn't end the embrace until offering him a one-liner back at Tribble that he'd echo to his team a few minutes later.
"We got one more to go," he said.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
All eyes on Smith as he narrows in on RB award
It's not that UCF TB Kevin Smith didn't have an audience before Saturday's trip to SMU.
But there were a few pairs of eyes in Gerald J. Ford Stadium that the Knights' junior standout might not have minded paying a little extra attention to him.
Members of the Guaranty Bank SMU Forum, the organization in charge of presenting the Doak Walker Award to the nation's top running back, were in attendance at Saturday's game.
But there were a few pairs of eyes in Gerald J. Ford Stadium that the Knights' junior standout might not have minded paying a little extra attention to him.
Members of the Guaranty Bank SMU Forum, the organization in charge of presenting the Doak Walker Award to the nation's top running back, were in attendance at Saturday's game.
The Dallas-based group selected Smith as one of 10 semi-finalists for the award last week and will narrow that list to three finalists Monday. The winner will be announced on Dec. 6.
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
Texas native plays well in front of family
DALLAS - He wasn't in his hometown, but he was at home.
The only player on UCF's roster from Texas, Knights' sophomore Phillip Smith, walked into SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium wanting to leave with a memory.
Though not so much for him as it was for someone else.
The only player on UCF's roster from Texas, Knights' sophomore Phillip Smith, walked into SMU's Gerald J. Ford Stadium wanting to leave with a memory.
Though not so much for him as it was for someone else.
"I just went out there with the mind-set that I was gonna play good," said Smith, a native of nearby Mansfield. "I had family in the crowd. I wanted to play good for my dad."
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
UCF can't afford letdown
A loss to SMU would undo the Knights' recent efforts to win the C-USA East title
DALLAS - This is one of those nervous times for UCF's football team.
Like that moment a few seconds before picking your date up for the prom or standing at the altar before a wedding.
It's very simple. Win their final two games of the regular season and the Knights will have their second Conference USA East Division championship in three years. But slip against 1-9 SMU today or UTEP at home next week and everything about their four-game winning streak will be all for nothing.
Like that moment a few seconds before picking your date up for the prom or standing at the altar before a wedding.
It's very simple. Win their final two games of the regular season and the Knights will have their second Conference USA East Division championship in three years. But slip against 1-9 SMU today or UTEP at home next week and everything about their four-game winning streak will be all for nothing.
Kyle Hightower: Orlando Sentinel
UCF Knights capture 2nd win at new arena
UCF sets a school attendance record in a 78-64 win over visiting Norfolk State.
UCF used a hustling defense and some clutch free-throw shooting to hold off Norfolk State 78-64 in front of a school record 5,277 at the new UCF Arena Friday night.
A 13-2 run in the second half run by the Spartans (1-2) shrank a 20-point Knights lead to nine and caused some tension in what looked like a blowout much of the night.
The Knights (2-0) were 6 of 16 from the free-throw line and only up by nine with 5:46 left when Kenrick Zondervan missed the front end of a 1-and-1. A lane violation by the Spartans gave the forward a second chance, which paid off for the Knights as he proceeded to hit two free throws.
A 13-2 run in the second half run by the Spartans (1-2) shrank a 20-point Knights lead to nine and caused some tension in what looked like a blowout much of the night.
The Knights (2-0) were 6 of 16 from the free-throw line and only up by nine with 5:46 left when Kenrick Zondervan missed the front end of a 1-and-1. A lane violation by the Spartans gave the forward a second chance, which paid off for the Knights as he proceeded to hit two free throws.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Norfolk St vs UCF
Norfolk St is coming to UCF to play us in the The Dungeon; Part Deaux.
Be there: 7:00 pm at the new UCF Arena Friday Knight!
UCF foe SMU resilient despite its 1-9 record
A week after giving up nearly 350 yards of total offense to one of Conference USA's worst offenses, UCF's defense will try to redeem itself against a slightly better one at SMU.
The Mustangs have definitely had their struggles this season, but have lost their six previous games by an average of just eight points. Two of those setbacks came in overtime and one, their lost to Rice last week, was by way of a last-second field goal.
Coach Phil Bennett said he is most proud that this team has kept fighting this season, despite its 1-9 record.
The Mustangs have definitely had their struggles this season, but have lost their six previous games by an average of just eight points. Two of those setbacks came in overtime and one, their lost to Rice last week, was by way of a last-second field goal.
Coach Phil Bennett said he is most proud that this team has kept fighting this season, despite its 1-9 record.
"One thing that you can say is that we haven't quit," Bennett said. "We have been more than resilient."
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Fired Bennett wants to finish strong
While Saturday is the setup game to what the Knights' hope will be their Conference USA East Division-clinching home finale next week against UTEP, it will have a much different meaning for SMU Coach Phil Bennett.
Saturday marks the final home game of Bennett's tenure as the Mustangs coach after he was fired last month. Though Bennett will be looking elsewhere for employment after SMU's season finale at Memphis, he still wants to finish the 2007 season strong.
"I don't have time to be sentimental," Bennett said at his weekly news conference. "I'm pretty black and white. The decision has been made and we've just got to go out and play. We want to do more than compete, we want to win."
Saturday marks the final home game of Bennett's tenure as the Mustangs coach after he was fired last month. Though Bennett will be looking elsewhere for employment after SMU's season finale at Memphis, he still wants to finish the 2007 season strong.
"I don't have time to be sentimental," Bennett said at his weekly news conference. "I'm pretty black and white. The decision has been made and we've just got to go out and play. We want to do more than compete, we want to win."
Kyle Hightower; Orlando Sentinel
UCF's Kevin Smith: I'll be back
Knights star wants to play as senior
ORLANDO - The talk that started in hushed tones when University of Central Florida tailback Kevin Smith opened the season with a bang has morphed into a full-fledged roar with records falling seemingly every week.
Will Smith, the nation's
second-leading rusher at 176.8 yards per game and top individual scorer with 23 touchdowns, leave UCF following this season and opt for the riches of the NFL?
Fresh off a staggering 320-yard, four-TD performance against Alabama-Birmingham, Smith is flattered by the feelings that his off-the-charts combination of speed and power are ready for the professional ranks. But the junior back said Wednesday he has no plans to leave the Knights anytime soon.
John Denton, Florida Today
After helping build UCF's sports programs, Orsini does same at SMU
There just might be something special about the coffee that SMU Athletic Director Steve Orsini drinks.
Or maybe it just seems that way because no matter where he seems to end up as an administrator, his tasks inevitably wind up being the same.
Orsini's past and present will go heads up this weekend in Dallas as SMU hosts UCF for the first time. It's a huge game for the Knights as they look to close out their second Conference USA East Division crown, but it's also Orsini's first matchup against his former school.
Or maybe it just seems that way because no matter where he seems to end up as an administrator, his tasks inevitably wind up being the same.
Orsini's past and present will go heads up this weekend in Dallas as SMU hosts UCF for the first time. It's a huge game for the Knights as they look to close out their second Conference USA East Division crown, but it's also Orsini's first matchup against his former school.
He's been the AD at SMU for about a year-and-a-half now. But as he begins to search for a new football coach following the dismissal of Phil Bennett, he said this week that the tasks he's facing in Dallas are very similar to the ones he faced at his old job at UCF.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Vote for UCF and McKenzie
Click on McKenzie to vote for UCF
CBSSportsline.com College Cheerleader of the Week: Week 11 is UCF's McKenzie Huebner.
She is a KnightMoves dancer, is attractive and needs your vote! Click on the pic to go to vote for UCF!
Go Knights!
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