Marshall was thumped from the
MAC race with last Wednesday’s 45-6 loss at the hands of Miami (Ohio). The loss
to the Red Hawks was the most lopsided in recent history. Marshall’s lowest
total was in October of 2000 when
Toledo routed the Heard 42-0.
"They gave us a good butt
kicking," said Marshall Coach Bob Pruett. "No excuses." Against Miami (OH),
Marshall had five turnovers which translated into easy touchdowns for the Red
Hawks. Marshall managed only 239 total yards in offense output the last time
out. "It will be really embarrassing if we play like that next week," Marshall
Coach Bob Pruett added.
For the first time since
going 7-5 in 2000,
Marshall
will have, at least, a four-loss season.
When Marshall meets UCF at
the Citrus Bowl on Wednesday night, the Knight will face one of the most
talented teams. "Marshall is one of the top teams in the country year in and
year out," said UCF interim head coach Alan Gooch. "They are a good football
team and we have great respect for their program," Gooch added.
With the outstanding wide
receivers and the quarterbacks, Marshall is capable of a big-play. Josh Davis
and Darius Watts, both of whom are considered candidates for the Biletnikoff
Award, are best of the best. Following in the footsteps of receivers the likes
of Randy Moss, the duo presents a one-two punch that concerns the Knights.
Watts is a legit first-round
draft choice for next spring's NFL draft. Watts is a very talented, very
athletic, WR who has good height and runs fast. He's one of the best in the
country who isn't being paid playing the game of football
Marshall's
leading receiver. Watts has caught 68 passes for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Watts has caught a TD pass in 10 consecutive games. He has also carried 11
times for 103 yards, averaging more than 9.4 yards per carry.
Wednesday's game will be one
of backup quarterbacks, which includes Gochneaur, who is taking the place of
Stan Hill (knee sprain) for Marshall, while Steven Moffett is the expected
starter for UCF over Ryan Schneider (suspended).
Gochneaur finished the Miami
(OH) game by completing 14 of 25 passes for 113 yards. Against Akron, he was 15
of 25 for 199 yards. One thing is for sure, Gochneaur has big targets in
6-foot-2, 183-pound Darius Watts and 6-1, 185-pound Josh Davis to aim and throw
his passes to.
UCF had a good week of
practice in preparation for Marshall. One player who is eager to take the field
on Wednesday is RB Alex Haynes. Look for Haynes to
carry the ball at least
twenty times against Marshall. However, Haynes might have to do carry a little
more than 20 carries if the Knights want to beat Marshall.
UCF need to be a balance team
on Wednesday night in what they do. Marshall will put as many defensive players
they can get on the field. They'll be trying to stop the pass, so UCF better be
able to throw it. “I
know I will play better,” said freshman quarterback Steven Moffett. Wide
receiver Tavaris Capers also has confidence in his young QB. “He’s a great
quarterback and he can throw,” said Capers. “I have faith in him,” added
Capers.
Quotes:
“I want to take it to the
house,” said Haynes.
“We want to win these two
games,” said Tavaris.
Note:
The Golden Knights football will begin a new
chapter when interim head coach Alan Gooch takes the field on Wednesday. On
Wednesday, Gooch will be the first UCF alumnus to coach its football team.