Marcus Jordan (5) of the UCF Knights driving to the basket with Charles Carmouche (4) of the Memphis Tigers defending. (Kurt Rivers/KnightNews.com)

“I was having flashbacks in my head,” Marcus Jordan said. “Please don’t go in”

Well, Scottie Haralson’s last-second three point attempt did not go in, and the UCF Knights snapped their eight-game losing streak and won their first game since Jan. 5 en route to defeating the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 58-57, on Saturday night before 7,008 fans at the UCF Arena. With the win, the Knights matched their total wins margin (15) of a year ago.

Three days after the Knights (15-8) lost to Memphis on a last-second 3 pointer by Antonio Barton, the Tulsa Golden Hurricane found themselves in an eerily similar position with a chance to down the Knights at the buzzer.

This time, however, it was not meant to be. UCF players, coaches, and fans alike let out a collective sigh of relief as Haralson’s shot rimmed out with two seconds left to end the game and secure a victory for the Knights.

“It was nice for it to finally miss,” UCF head coach Donnie Jones said.

The Knights’ victory tonight ended their eight-game losing streak, all to Conference USA foes, which saw their overall record drop to 14-8 after an undefeated non-conference slate. Coach Jones commented that he is “Tired of streaks” and he is ready to “Focus on one game at a time.”

UCF was keyed by Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton, who combined to score 31 of the 58 UCF points. Clanton came up big down the stretch, sinking three free throws in the final 1:47 of the game to give UCF its slight edge.

UCF and Tulsa battled until the final seconds in a game where the largest lead was UCF by eight midway through the second half. The Knights played steller defense, holding the Golden Hurricane to 35 percent shooting from the field. Justin Hurtt starred for the Tulsa attack scoring 23 points.

UCF will try to secure it’s first conference road victory February 16th against Tulane.

Isaiah Sykes (32) of the UCF Knights and Tulsa forward/center D.J. Magley (35) at UCF Arena on February 12, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The UCF Knights defeated Tulsa 58-57. (Kurt Rivers/KnightNews.com)

A.J. Rompza (3) of the UCF Knights at UCF Arena on February 12, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. The UCF Knights defeated Tulsa 58-57. (Kurt Rivers/KnightNews.com)

And be sure to check back for a full recap after the game.

The UCF Knights (10-3) take on the Georgia Bulldogs (6-6) in today’s Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee.

Where to watch: 3:30 on ESPN

The Knights will be looking to secure the first bowl game win in team history. To do this they will need to go through a tough Georgia team that finished the year by winning five of their last seven games.

UCF’s Keys to victory:

• Establish the run. UCF was the only team in Conference USA to average more yards on the ground per game than through the air. Georgia has given up 23 rushing touchdowns this season and their defense has generally struggled when facing run-based offenses. UCF offensive coordinator Charlie Taffe will look to feed tailback Latavius Murray early and often in this game. The Knights will need a strong run game to open up the play-action pass and make life for quarterback Jeff Godfrey much simpler. Godfrey’s ability to run for positive yards will be important as he tries to escape Georgia’s fast front seven.

• Limit AJ Green. Georgia’s superstar wide receiver Green causes big matchup problems in the UCF secondary. The six-foot-four Green will most likely be matched up against all five feet and ten inches of sophomore Knights corner Josh Robinson. While Robinson played admirably in UCF’s victory over SMU, facing AJ Green is a completely different story. The Bulldogs lost three out of the four games they were without their star wideout early this season, while he was suspended. Green is heavily relied on by Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, so look for UCF to double Green all day to give Robinson plenty of help.

• Pressure Aaron Murray. The best way to shut down the Georgia offense is to stop the pass game before it can get started. Murray has the second highest passer efficiency of any freshman in the country, only trailing Godfrey. Murray needs only one more touchdown throw to break Georgia’s single season record. To stop that form happening, Bruce Miller and company will need to keep Murray on his back. UCF finished with the third most sacks in their conference this year and the front four will need to keep that constant pressure on Murray to take pressure off of the secondary. Turning Georgia into a running team would be big for UCF, as the Bulldogs only had the tenth best rushing attack in their conference.

Prediction:

UCF faces a huge test in Georgia, but a very winnable game against a team that did not live up to the heavy expectations placed on them in the pre-season.

UCF wins this game, 24-17

Why UCF won the game

The Knights scored 10 seconds into the game and never looked back. The Knights defense was menacing forcing turnovers, including two fumble recoveries and picking off two Tulane passes, one of which was returned 100 yards for a TD by freshman Jordan Ozerities. The Knights were able to hold Tulane scoreless except for an 11-minute stretch at the end of the second quarter. The Knights controlled the ground game, totaling 282 yards and 4 touchdowns. Latavius Murray keyed the run attack with 146 yards on only 11 carries, chipping in one TD. The strong rushing effort opened up the pass game, as despite only 15 pass attempts UCF was still able to amass 177 yards for an average of 11.8 yards per pass, compared to Tulane’s 4.7 yards per pass. Special teams, which started the dominating effort for the Knights, finished with 249 total return yards. The Knights were able to pull their starters mid-way through the third quarter.

Why Tulane lost the game:

Tulane was completely outplayed in this ballgame. The Knights held a significant advantage over the Green Wave in starting field position. UCF’s average start was on their 46 yard line, while Tulane averaged starting on their 19. UCF was able to win the turnover battle by forcing four Tulane turnovers while not turning the ball over themselves. Tulane also allowed the Knights to gash them on the ground, running for 136 yards less than UCF.

Game Ball:

Quincy McDuffie. McDuffie, second in the country in average kick return yardage coming into the game with 31.3, showed why he is such a feared return specialist right on the opening kickoff. McDuffie raced 95 yards into the endzone to give the Knights their quickest lead of the season. McDuffie followed that up by showing off his receiver skills, catching UCF’s second touchdown on a 28 yard screen pass. McDuffie finished with 114 yards on returns averaging 57.

What this all means:

The Knights recovered well from their lone conference loss to Southern Miss last Saturday. UCF got back to what it has done so well so far this season, beating up on inferior teams. The Knights continue to control their own destiny and stay in prime position to host the Conference USA championship game. A win next week or a Southern Miss loss either tonight or next week will clinch a spot in the championship game for the Knights.

Up Next:

UCF will travel to Memphis for their final game of the regular season. Memphis is sitting at the bottom of Conference USA’s East Division with a record of 1-9, including a 0-6 mark within the conference. The Tigers play their home games in the Liberty Bowl, and if UCF continues their dominance and wins the conference, the Knights will most likely return to the Liberty Bowl to play their post-season bowl game.

Below is Head Coach George O’Leary’s reaction to the first conference loss the Knights suffered today.

Video courtesy of Brandon Helwig/UCFsports.com

And check out some video highlights shot of the game by KnightNews.com’s Brandon Ratay:

The UCF Knight lost to the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles by a score of 31-21.

Why UCF lost the game:

After the first two drives, it looked like another UCF blowout. It was not. After initially going up 14-0, Southern Miss rattled off 31 unanswered to crush the Knights hopes of climbing higher than #25. The Knights could not run the ball after the first quarter. After Ronnie Weaver broke free for 112 first quarter yards, the run game screeched to a halt. UCF as a team only rushed for 28 yards after the first quarter. The Knights defense, ranked number one in Conference USA entering the game, looked extremely porous as USM routinely marched down the field and into the end zone, totaling 414 yards of offense. UCF could not get much pressure, only sacking QB Austin Davis one time. The kick game failed the Knights once again as Jamie Boyle missed the one UCF field goal attempt, a 30 yard shot with UCF down by 10.

Why Southern Miss won the game:

After the first two drives, the Golden Eagles were able to do everything right. They focused on stopping the run, not only taking out Ronnie Weaver but limiting the explosiveness of Jeff Godfrey. The usually elusive Godfrey could not race past spying Southern Miss linebackers, and only averaged 0.5 yards per carry. On offense, Davis put on a show, throwing for 264 yards and 4 touchdowns. The Golden Eagles were also able to run the ball effectively with Tracey Lampley and Kendrick Hardy, finishing with 150 total rushing yards as a team. Two big interceptions early were able to swing the momentum in USM’s favor, and the Golden Eagles won the turnover battle.

Game Ball:

Austin Davis, Southern Miss QB. Davis had the first 4 touchdown passing game of his career. He threw for 264 yards and chipped in 44 yards on the ground. Davis showed off impressive leadership ability in taking his USM team from a early hole and completely turning the game around to favor his squad.

What this all means:

UCF’s undefeated conference record is no more. UCF will also fall from its national ranking, and barring the unforeseen will not be ranked again this year. This loss casts doubt over what was a very sure and confident team leading up to the game. This loss does not, however, take UCF out of first place in Conference USA’s Eastern Division. The Knights are still on pace to win the division and, as long as they have no more losses, host the conference championship game

Up Next:

UCF takes on Tulane on the road. Tulane is 3-6 overall, 1-4 in the conference before their game against Rice later today.

Notes

• It was senior day for UCF
• Jeff Godfrey was injured in the fourth quarter, but returned to the game.

SEE A SLIDESHOW OF PHOTOS FROM THE GAME BY CLICKING NEXT PAGE.

UCF’s hopes of remaining a ranked team have unravelled with this loss.

KnightNews.com Sports Editor Matt Fontana is on the field now, and will be posting a full recap of the game shortly.

In the meantime, relive the game, play by play, below.

Check back here for constant live updates!

Want more UCF Football? Check out this game’s preview by clicking here!

The UCF Knights opened their season defeating the West Florida Argonauts 115-61

MarcusJordan #5 of UCF and Marquis Mathis #23 of West Florida. Kurt Rivers / KnightNews.com

New UCF coach Donnie Jones has his Knights perfect so far.

UCF began the Donnie Jones era in dominating fashion, taking control of West Florida early and turning the contest into a blowout fairly quickly.

The Knights began the game in a full court press and were able to force the Argonauts into a flurry of mistakes leading to 23 turnovers, including 15 in the first half alone. AJ Rompza, who ranked ninth in the country last season in steals and is currently tenth in UCF history, led the way with 3 steals. Michigan State transfer Tom Herzog chipped in with 4 blocks to contribute to the defensive dominance. The Knights were also able to control the boards, out-rebounded West Florida 45-30.

Marcus Jordan #5 and David Diakite #15 of UCF with Mike Lewis #10 and Jamel Brazeal #4 of West Florida. Kurt Rivers / KnightNews.com

Marcus Jordan and Keith Clanton led the charge offensively for the Knights with 28 and 24 points respectively. Jordan opened the scoring for the Knights with a three pointer. He would add four more to finish the game five of seven from behind the arc. Clanton shot a perfect 9-9 from the floor. In total UCF was able to shoot 67%. Mike Lewis led the Argonauts in points with 15.

Jarvis Davis #2 of UCF. Kurt Rivers / KnightNews.com

All 14 Knights on the roster got into the game tonight. Herzog, Dwight McCombs, Isaiah Sykes, and Jarvis Davis all made their UCF debuts. McCombs contributed 11 points, 5 rebounds, and a couple thundering slam dunks. Every Knight scored tonight except for Dogukan Kuzucan.

The Knights were frequent visitors to the free throw line and shot 25-39.

UCF has now won nine consecutive season openers and their last 21 home games in the month of November.

Michael Jordan watching the game from the box seat section. Kurt Rivers / KnightNews.com

First Half recap:

The Knights lead the Argonauts 56-27 after the first half.

Marcus Jordan scored the first points of the season for UCF, draining a three pointer in the games opening minutes. Jordan currently leads the Knights in points with 16, including shooting 4-4 from three point range. Keith Clanton’s 15 points on 6-6 shooting are second.

The Knights came out with full court pressure defense and it worked, forcing 15 first half turnovers. AJ Rompza, who finished ninth in the country in steals last year, is leading the defense with three.

Tom Herzog, a seven foot transfer from Michigan State, added to the defensive dominance with 3 blocks. Herzog, Dwight Mccombs, Isaiah Skykes, and Jarvis Davis made their UCF debuts in the half. Herzog scored 2, Davis had 3, and Sykes added 4.

UCF was able to get to the free throw line often, but struggled from, shooting only 12 for 22

All 14 Knights played in the first half.

Pre-game: UCF opens their season tonight against the West Florida Argonauts at the UCF Arena.

Donnie Jones makes his head coaching debut tonight for UCF after spending the previous three seasons at Marshall.

For the second year in a row, Michael Jordan is in the house for the Knight’s opening game to watch his son.

Starting Lineups:

UCF:

• PG- AJ Rompza
• SG- Marcus Jordan
• SF- Dave Diakite
• PF- Keith Clanton
• C- Tom Herzog

West Florida:

• G- Anthony Sims
• G- Mike Lewis
• F- Jamar Moore
• F- Darryl McGee
• F- Terrance Beasley

Click here to see what this season has in store for the men’s basketball team.

TO SEE A SLIDESHOW OF PICTURES FROM THE GAME, CLICK THE NEXT PAGE.

The Knights will be playing as a member of the top 25 for the first time after receiving the number 25 ranking in the AP poll earlier this week. UCF was one of only two schools in the state of Florida to be ranked in the poll.

The Knights are coming off an impressive victory over pre-season Conference USA favorite Houston. The Houston game was yet another showcase for the high-powered Knights offense, in particular freshman quarterback Jeffery Godfrey. Godfrey accounted for 410 yards of offense, and UCF was able to score at least 35 points for the fifth consecutive game. Coincidently, the Southern Miss defense has given up 35 points on average over their last four games.

Southern Miss is coming off a 46-30 victory over Tulane. The Golden Eagles sport a 3-2 conference record with both losses coming against teams UCF has defeated already this season (East Carolina and UAB, respectively). Junior QB Austin Davis leads the Southern Miss offense that outranks the UCF offense in average total yards per game, passing yards, rushing yards, and points scored.

UCF enters the game with the number one defense in Conference USA. The Knights are currently giving up 8 fewer points per game than the Golden Eagles. Darius Nall, who plays opposite of Bruce Miller and his double-teams, leads the way for UCF with 7.5 sacks on the season.

Southern Miss has traditionally dominated UCF in the series’ brief history, owning a 4-1 record against the Knights. The Golden Eagles defeated the Knights last season by a score of 26-9.

UCF has the only remaining undefeated conference record in C-USA. If UCF continues its winning ways, they are in pole position to host the conference championship game. For Southern Miss to make the C-USA championship game they will need UCF to lose twice, including Saturday, and ECU to lose two more times as well.

According to the most recent coaches poll, the answer is yes.

UCF (6-2, 4-0) received 14 points in the USA TODAY/ESPN Top 25 football coaches poll, second only to #24 Florida State’s 107 among Florida FBS schools. UCF’s current ranking is 29.

The University of Miami received 5 points and University of Florida accumulated 4, while FIU, FAU, and USF did not get any votes.

The points system works with total points based on 25 points for a first place vote through one point for 25^th, and incorporates ranking from last week’s poll. 59 head coaches, including UCF’s George O’Leary, vote in the poll.

The AP Top 25 Poll, compiled by polling sports writers across the country, yielded similar results.

After defeating ECU, UCF currently has the only undefeated conference record in Conference USA. The Knights are also the only bowl-eligible team so far from the conference.

The Knights will play the University of Houston next week, and depending on the outcome of that game and others surrounding the top 25, UCF may be ranked for the first time in school history.

UCF won their sixth game of the season over the East Carolina Pirates by a score of 49-35.

Why UCF won the game

Offense. The defense played very well, but the UCF offense was unstoppable. The Knights did not punt all game. The only drives they had which did not end in a touchdown were two kneel downs to end the half and the game, and a missed field goal by Cattoi in the third quarter. The 49 points scored were the most UCF has scored all season. The pass offense was very productive accumulating 159 yards and 2 touchdowns, and the run game led by Ronnie Weaver went off to the tune of 265 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Why ECU lost the game:

Their defense simply could not match up with UCF’s offense. The offense actually played very well, as their 35 points were the most put up against UCF’s defense all season. Despite the admirable offensive performance led by QB Dominique Davis, who threw for 310 and three touchdowns and ran in one more, the ECU defense only stopped the Knights short of the end zone on one meaningful drive.

Game Ball:

Ronnie Weaver gets my game ball in a close call over Godfrey. Godfrey was great leading the offense, but Weaver stole the show. Weaver set career highs with 182 yards and 30 carries while scoring 2 touchdowns. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry despite running it 30 times, a microcosm of how easily the UCF offense was able to gash the ECU defense. Weaver’s change of pace back, Latavius Murray, did his part on the ground as well running for 47 yards and 3 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

What this all means:

UCF is now firmly in control of Conference USA’s east division. UCF not only has the only undefeated conference record in C-USA, but they gained a very valuable tiebreaker against the Pirates. Theoretically, the Knights would have to lose two of their four remaining games while ECU needs to win out for UCF to lose the east division. UCF’s dominating conference run has the country beginning to take notice, as they received 2 votes in last weeks top 25 poll, and are expected to get more following tonight’s big win.

Up Next:

The Knights travel to Texas to face perennial Conference USA West Division power Houston. Despite high hopes entering the season, Houston has slumped to 4-3 so far, including a loss to Rice, who UCF defeated by 27 points last week. Houston will be without pre-season Heisman hopeful quarterback Case Keenum.

Notes:

• Jordan Rae got injured late in the 4^th quarter and did not return
• Murray had 2 career TDs entering the game, and scored 3 today to bring his career total to 5
• UCF went 9-11 on third down
• The two teams combined for 845 yards of offense

CHECK OUT SOME MORE PHOTOS ON THE NEXT PAGE.