Starting quarterback Derrick Vickers (5-11, 195)
was
replaced at halftime by Grant Arnoldink (6-04, 220) in a 13-31 lost to Toledo.
Against Toledo, Vickers connected on just 2-of-13 passes in the first half
while Arnoldink completed 9-of-20 in the second half. DeBord lists both as the
starter and will evaluate each player during practice this week. "We'll make a
decision based on how the quarterbacks perform in practice," DeBord said. "Kent Smith (Toledo, Ohio/Start) will also be in the mix this week." The strength of the offense is the line,
which returns all five starters including preseason All-MAC pick OL Derek McLaughlin (6-5, 315). On defense there are a new coordinator and six returning
starters, including two preseason All-MAC picks, junior safety James King (6-1,
215) and senior DE Matt Wohlgemuth (6-5, 265).
UCF Offense vs.
Central Michigan's Defense
Central Michigan
has a new defensive coordinator, and they will be well prepared. In the first
quarter Central Michigan will show UCF some new things, and so UCF's offensive
line has to pick up blitzes so Ryan Schneider can adjust to what
Central Michigan
is doing. UCF will try to give
Central Michigan a lot of
difference looks with Schneider back in the driver seat.
Schneider still bothers by
soreness in his shoulder and don’t be surprise if Jon Rivera enters the game.
Up front, the Knights' O-line should be able to handle the Chippewas defensive
front seven. UCF’s ground game must kick in high rear in this game. Expect a
good game from Dontavius Wilcox who might take over
the TB position from Alex Haynes, injured, on Saturday if he’s not available.
Junior tailback
Alex Haynes returned to practice from a groin injury on Wednesday and is listed
as probable for Saturday's contest.
If
Central Michigan tie up the gaps and slow the running game down, UCF will have a
hard time executing its passing game. And if they can do that, they'll have a
chance because the jury is still out on UCF’s passing game all season. UCF
front line must keep
Chippewas senior defensive end Matt Wohlgemuth in
check. He’s too good of a player to let him running loose. By the number,
Central Michigan
defense give up 509.43 yards per game.
UCF Defense vs.
Central Michigan Offense
Central Michigan
offense will come in with no huddle and run the spread. The
Chippewas look
most like every team in the “new MAC”. We'll see 3,
4, 5 wideouts on every play. This puts UCF's cornerbacks in a familiar
position. Central
Michigan will utilize their tight ends in the offense. They will throw it
around with a slow passing attack, and move the ball down the field. The
strength of Central Michigan offense is the line. The
Chippewas have all five starters
returning, including two big 6-7 offensive tackles, Adam Keift, and Jeff Jenerou. At running back, Terry Jackson was a 1000 yard rusher two years ago
and he is capable to repeat that performance again this year.
Jackson average
4.1 yards per carry and 93.2 yards per game.
Chippewas’ other running
back, Jerry Seymour, is questionable for the game. To win this game, UCF defensive players must
contain CMU’s quarterback. The number one key defensively will be to get to the
quarterback, and knock some passes down. UCF still have not had an interception
through seven games. This game is a chance for the Knights to change that
drought. By the number,
Central Michigan
rushes an average of 181.14 yards per game and passing for 173.86 yards per
game.
Special Teams
Central Michigan
special teams have been very good. The
Chippewas special teams have
an average of 18.56 yards per game in kickoff returns. CMU punter,
Brian Brandt has average of 41.05 yards per punt which
is just behind UCF punter, Matt Prater, 47.42 yards per game. The bright spot
of this season so far for UCF has been the special teams. UCF should not have
any problem handling the Chippewas.
Overall and Prediction
Although
Central Michigan
two wins were over D-IAA teams,
New Hampshire
and Eastern Kentucky, they’re capable to put up points on the board.
Expect UCF to pound the ball, and then to mix it up with passes to tight ends
and to the wideouts. Mistakes will happen and for UCF,
turnovers need to lead to scores. We just have to cross our fingers that UCF
make the least mistakes, and capitalizing on the Chippewas’
mistakes.
Saturday's homecoming game will also feature Miss America, UCF's own Erika
Dunlap, as she will sing the National Anthem. Hopefully, her voice will inspire
the Knights to victory.
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