Game Preview: UCF vs USF

In the last three seasons UCF and USF have squared off against each other, and each game has ended the same; with a USF victory. In 2006, the Knights hosted the Bulls and gave up two unanswered touchdowns in the fourth quarter to fall by seven points. Last season, the Bulls humiliated UCF to the tune of 64-12.

University of South Florida Bulls vs. University of Central Florida Knights
Saturday, September 6th, 2008, 7:00 p.m.
Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL
2008 records: USF - 1-0, UCF- 1-0
Series history: USF leads 3-0. Last season: USF won, 64-12

USF Offense

The Bulls offense ranked 4th in the nation last year in scoring offense and 10th in rushing offense, and a large part of that is due to the diverse talents of quarterback Matt Grothe. Grothe has found much success in USF’s spread offense, as he has been able to throw and run from the shotgun formation. Last year he surpassed 2,600 yards passing but threw as many touchdowns (14) as interceptions. Where he does most of his damage is with his feet, as he has accumulated over 1,400 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns in the first two years of his career.

The Bulls will rely on a stable of backs through the 2008 season, and all carry the reputation of being physical backs with good quickness. Senior Benjamin Williams led the team with 70 yards in the season opener and starter Jamar Taylor had 41 yards. Mike Ford is a sophomore who many have expected to break out after a stellar freshman campaign. Ford is a bruising back at 6’2”, 225 lbs, and he can certainly push a pile. Mo Plancher, the cousin of fallen UCF player Ereck, had a breakout performance last week, running for 66 yards and two touchdowns.

USF doesn’t have a particular standout at receiver, as last year’s best option, Carlton Mitchell, hasn’t been healthy since last season’s bowl game, but there is a ton of depth at the position. A.J. Love is a big receiver who led USF in receptions last week. Dontavia Bogan has great hands, and could be up for a big season. Taurus Johnson is a speedster who has accumulated over 400 yards the past two seasons, and he could be up for another big year.

Best offensive matchup for USF: Matt Grothe vs. UCF’s defensive ends- The Knights have a great defensive end unit, but Grothe will test the team with his feet. Coach O’Leary doesn’t like to blitz a lot, so it will up to UCF’s ends to collapse the pocket and contain Grothe, something the team couldn’t do last year as he ran for 100 yards.

Best defensive matchup for UCF: UCF’s secondary vs. Grothe- Last season the Bulls torched UCF through the air, but don’t expect things to be so easy this season. After last season’s disappointment against USF and then ECU, the Knights’ secondary went into lock-down mode. Grothe has thrown close to as many interceptions as touchdowns through his career, and he must be very sharp against an experienced and motivated UCF secondary.

UCF Offense

Replacing Kevin Smith hasn’t been easy for UCF, as there really isn’t any way to replace a player of his caliber, but the Knights have a lot more options than they did this season. UCF now has the more efficient and more mobile Michael Greco at quarterback, and a group of four talented freshmen running backs with contrasting running styles. The Knights’ have a talented receiving corps, but the group has had a hard time finding consistency early on.

Latavius Murray moves up to number two on the depth chart after he finished his collegiate debut with two touchdowns over S.C State. Ronnie Weaver will be the starter. Both backs are tough inside runners but will need to do a better job cutting this game if the offense wants to pick it up. UCF’s offensive line did a good job with run-blocking last week, but will have a much bigger test against USF. UCF’s offensive line is big and talented, but they must click as a group to beat a very quick Bulls’ front.

The Bulls have a tremendous front four, led by preseason All-American George Selvie. The junior defensive end has 20 career sacks and is near impossible to stop when put on an island. Aaron Harris is an undersized tackle with a high motor that can also cause havoc at times, and Jarriett Buie will cause commotion across from Selvie. USF’s linebackers do not have a lot of continuity together but they are experienced and talented. The group has great size and will be stout against the run. USF’s defensive backs will be answering questions about game experience for a while, but there is talent there, namely with junior Nate Allen, who is a stud at safety.

Best offensive matchup for UCF: UCF’s run-blocking vs. USF’s run defense. If UCF can establish somewhat of a passing game, than the team should be able to run all day. USF has an immensely talented front four, but there isn’t a lot of size. If their defensive line has to start guessing where the play is going, then the Knights can capitalize by using a diversity of plays to wear on USF’s front. In order for this to work though, the Knights must be able to keep eight men out of the box by completing passes.

Best defensive matchup for USF: George Selvie vs. Michael Greco. Last week Greco did a lot of scrambling to his left side, but that won’t be the case this week. Selvie will force Greco to roll-out to his right, which isn’t easy for a left-handed quarterback, although Greco is decent at it. Patrick Brown will have his hands full with Selvie and Greco must make very quick and accurate decisions in order to escape being a victim of Selvie’s.

Special Teams

USF: PK Delbert Alvarado, P Alvarado, LS Eric Setser, KOR Jerome Murphy, PR Marcus Edwards

UCF: PK Daren Daly, P Blake Clingan, LS Charley Hughlett, KOR Khymest Williams/Darin Baldwin, PR Joe Burnett

Special teams advantage: UCF has a slight edge over USF because of the explosiveness that Joe Burnett brings as a punt returner. The only real concern UCF has is the kicking game, which is also a problem for USF, as Alvarado made 19-of-29 field goals last year and also isn’t 100-percent healthy.