The Knights travel to Columbia this weekend to take on the No. 20/22 University of Missouri Tigers, the only pre-season ranked team UCF will face this season.
UCF is coming off of an early season bye after a gut-wrenching loss as time expired in Penn State, and the Tigers enter the game undefeated in two non-conference games.
By many this will be considered a make-or-break outing for the Knights – as UCF’s most meaningful games on the schedule are regarded as the first two they play. Having dropped the Croke Park Classic, this game against an SEC powerhouse has the potential to cast the Knights asunder or offer redemption for a close game in Dublin.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
On Offense
If the Knights want to stay competitive against the high scoring Mizzou offense, they will need to click immediately.
The ability and chemistry to do so seemed to be there almost instantaneously when newly proclaimed starter Justin Holman took the reins in the third quarter of week one, completing the first five passes he threw and accounting for the majority of UCF’s total yardage; it is not a stretch to imagine that the unit could be off to a quick start on Saturday.
Stanback’s impact on the game cannot be overlooked either; the hulking 225 back was sorely missed in the season’s opener. He is the anchor by which O’Leary had planned on steadying this offense around, without his bruising style the Knights only managed 24 rushing yards against Penn State. His first taste will be against a Missouri defense that gave up 154 yards on the ground last week.
J.J. Worton appeared a crazed beast in Dublin, leaving nothing on the field when he was targeted. He fought for yards after the catch like no other player on the field, making it obvious he is taking this final season seriously. Joined again by Rannell Hall, the receiving corps once again has the ability to be dynamic with Holman under center.
On Defense
O”Leary bashed the defense immediately following the Croke Park Classic, and it has resulted in the most intense practices yet for the Knights.
This unit was supposed to make up the backbone of UCF with savvy veteran experience and a versatile attack. Instead, they were outclassed and outgunned by Penn State in crucial moments – including the final drive in which the Knights had to only stave off under 90 seconds of play.
On the bright side, they did force three key turnovers that kept the game much closer than the total offensive production would have led to believe. Two interceptions and a fumble kept UCF in it, and will continue to be a point of emphasis for a team centered on ball control.
The run defense will prove to be a heavy factor as well. Missouri is averaging just under 200 rushing yards a game, and will need to be slowed by the defensive front that gave up only 57 to Penn State.
————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Early on in the season it is easy to skew the importance of a loss in terms of importance; one way or another. If the Knights do lose this game, however, it is tough to imagine them gaining much credence or hope towards aspirations of a national ranking or top-bowl game.
Missouri has a winning pedigree and comes from the tough football stock of the SEC. They will do everything well, but have scored quickly and often so far this season in particular. It bodes as a landmark in the season for a team fighting for respect once again.
Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM EST in Columbia.
