The Knights (4-2, 2-0 AAC) will take on the Temple Owls (4-2, 2-1) Saturday evening at 5:00 p.m. ET on CBSS at the Bright House Networks Stadium.
The Knights captured a key win in last week’s conference matchup against The Tulane Green Wave, but by no means was it considered a pretty one. The Knights pocketed a close one in a 20-13 victory. If the Knights plan on posting a win against Temple, some much-needed improvement and execution will need to take place.
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While it’s clear that UCF’s offense is still a work in progress, the defense can still hold it down as they have helped secure victories in UCF’s past three games, against Houston, BYU and Tulane. While the offense has only converted 29 of 81 third downs, the Knights’ defense has done a great job in making sure the ball gets put back in quarterback Justin Holman’s hands.
Temple is trying to rebound after last Saturday’s loss to the Houston Cougars, 31-10. Temple will also rely on their defensive backbone. The Owls’ defense, which currently ranks No.1 in the nation in red-zone defense, will push the Knights’ young offense to great lengths if the Knights are not prepared.
While Temple’s opponents have stopped the rush, much of the Owls’ success can be attributed to sophomore quarterback P.J. Walker. Throwing for 1,358 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season, Walker sets the example for this team’s motivation in winning.
The Knights have been preparing all week for Saturday’s game. Coach O’Leary has had the team practicing in full pads since Monday to help build mental toughness when facing a potential tough challenge against Temple.
The Knights will be coming into this weekend’s game in hopes to make it five wins in a row, and they have the home field advantage. If UCF plans on taking down the Owls in their home territory, explosiveness in the offense and continued true grit on defense should help it keep its momentum going. The Knights need to get right out of the gate with a fast start, then let the defense finish the job. The fans will be excited and hopeful to win number 5 in the bank.
