The 2010-2011 college football season has begun! There are a number of games tonight to give fans a taste of the opening week of NCAA football. Some notable match-ups to watch tonight include #15 Pittsburgh at Utah, FAMU at #13 Miami, Marshall at #2 Ohio State, #14 USC at Hawaii, and Southern Miss at South Carolina.
Of course, UCF does not begin its much-anticipated season until 6:00pm on Saturday against Football Championship Subdivision opponent, South Dakota. To take this game lightly would be a mistake for the Knights. The Coyotes’ (that’s not coy-o-tees…its cai-oats…don’t ask me why…) are actually ranked 10th in the preseason FCS Coaches poll. In 2009, South Dakota State finished the season fifth in total offense (460.3 ypg), 11th in rushing offense (202.1 ypg) and 16th in passing offense (258.5 ypg). They lost 11 starters from last year’s team but return 43 letterwinners for the 2010 season. This game will test the Knights on both sides of the ball and give the fans an idea of what to expect for the new season.
Things to watch:
1. Junior QB Rob Calabrese will start the game but highly talented freshmen QB Jeffrey Godfrey is expected to make his debut sometime during the first half. It will be interesting to see the fans reaction as Calabrese begins the game and consequently when Godfrey takes over. Give Rob a chance, fans. He’s apparently impressed the coaches enough to retain the starting job so it’s important for us to give him that opportunity.
2. Sophomore WR Quincy McDuffie has already been declared as one of the most explosive players on the Knight’s roster this year. Head Coach George O’Leary has said that they are going to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Whether it is in the offense or the return game, McDuffie will stand out in this game.
3. One of the only question marks on the defensive side of the ball is how the Knights will replace Torell Troup and Travis Timmons at the defensive tackle spot. Senior Wes Tunuufi Sauvao was expected to be the starter throughout preseason camp, but redshirt freshman Victor Gray, and true freshman E.J. Dunston have shown incredible ability and will start for the Knights on Saturday. Their performance will affect how often defensive end Bruce Miller and others get to the quarterback.
With that said, my prediction for the game is UCF – 42, South Dakota State – 13.
Tailgating on-campus at UCF is quickly becoming one of the best traditions for Knights fans. The lots are open at 12pm for fans to begin their tailgating experience and will continue to open at noon for all night games this year. As a reminder to students…no bottles, kegs, or funnels will be allowed on-campus. The Marching Knights’ will begin their 2010 pre-game show at 5:45, followed by another UCF tradition, Zombie Nation, playing as the Knights take the field. A new UCF anthem “Knightmare” will play on the video replay screen before the game.
Tickets are still available for the opening game and can be purchased at the UCF Athletics ticket office or online at UCFathletics.com. COME OUT AND SUPPORT YOUR KNIGHTS! THE 2010 UCF FOOTBALL SEASON HAS ARRIVED!!!
