Admin’s Note: Sami’s pre-game analysis features on UCFPride is back with this week’s season opener versus SC State!

It’s that time of the year boys and girls…..

Week 1
South Carolina State Bulldogs @
University of Central Florida Knights

Bright House Networks Stadium – Orlando, FL
Capacity: 45,301
Kickoff: Saturday, August 30, 2008 @ 6:00pm ET
Line (As Of 8/27) : UCF -28
Television: Not Televised
UCF Record: 0-0
Opponents Record: 0-0
Analysis by: punk0mi
UCF Depth Chart:Click Here To See
S.C. State Depth Chart:Click Here To See

First, a few words…
Finally, just after in just a few more days the Knights set out on the quest to defend the C-USA title and go back-to-back…

Last season was a dream, with the exception of perhaps the USF and ECU games. Having one of the best running back in the nation, a solid defense, and a burning desire to succeed made the Knights 2007 campaign very memorable.

But that was last season, welcome to 2008 – where the stage is set and the stakes are higher.

So…are you ready?

I am…see you in the student section

On to the pre-game analysis…

What can we expect from S.C. State?
S.C. State is a very popular HBCU (Historically Black College and/or University) in the FCS (formerly known as Div 1-AA). The Bulldogs are typically considered a powerhouse in the MEAC conference that they play in and have won 11 conference titles since 1974. On top of that, S.C. State has also won 3 Black College Football Championships titles with the last one coming in 1994. This season, Head Coach Buddy Pough and his Bulldogs come into the FCS season ranked 36 th and are ready to make a move starting with their first game against Div-1A UCF. S.C. State, like most HBCU’s, have quite a following and a dedicated fan base (although in recent years it has been declining) so don’t be surprised to see some red, white, and blue in the visitors section on Saturday.

Who, What, Where, Why, When, How?
Well, S.C. State has been hit by a stretch of stomach viruses and injuries – so a lot of players, including major play makers, have missed out on some portions of the pre-season camps. Coach Pough has gone on record saying that his team is not where he wants it to be and may some issues filling in key positions if players do not make a speedy recovery. The Bulldog offense is lead by Sophomore QB. Malcolm Long. This guy is 6’3”, 257lbs and likes to take charge. Look for passes to hit wide receivers Dusten DuBose (Sr.), Oliver “Tre” Young (Jr.), Philip Morris (Sr.), and Byron Bush (Sr.). The run game is operated Anthony Campbell (Sr.) and will more than likely be assisted by fellow backs William Ford(Jr.), Travil Jamison (Jr.), and Chris Merrill (Fr.). So what doe s UCF need to do on defense? Just show up. The famed UCF backfield of Jason Venson(Sr.), Sha’reff Rashad(Sr.), Johnell Neal(Sr.), and “Smokin” Joe Burnett(Sr.) should be able to block and pick these guys without breaking a sweat. If everything I have seen and heard about the front seven are true, then the Bulldogs are going to have a dog (no pun intended) of a time moving the ball down the field.

The Bulldog defense should be a little better than the offense overall. During the S.C. State Spring game, the defense shut down the offense almost completely. Look for attacks from linebackers Ryan Potts(Sr.), Antwaan Gamble (Jr.), and Tony White(Sr.) [May sit out with broke left hand]. As far as the big boys upfront, look for possible plays to come from Keyon Brooks(Sr.) and James Simmons(Sr.). How can UCF score? By playing smart, conservative football. This is a great game for the new Knights QB Michael Greco (Jr.) to get his feet wet with. Expect a good balance of the passing and ground game. I know back in July I said that Latavius Murry (Fr.) would be the starter at RB, however things have changed on the depth chart and now Ronnie Weaver (Fr.) will be at the number 1 spot, however, expect to see Brynn Harvey (Fr.), Brandon Davis (Fr.), and Murray to take some turns running the ball too. I am sure O’Leary wants to get this receivers broke in during this game since they haven’t been exactly where he wants them to be in the pre-season. The only big change to the WR spots are replacing injured Kamar Aiken with a very capable Brian Watters (So.). The O-line will be good to go for this game, and in all reality I feel pretty confidant on the season for the unit.

Other Contributing Factors: Home field advantage to the Knights. This is opening day at Brighthouse,and as much as I would like to say it will be a capacity crowd, it won’t be. However, expect a lot of energy from what I am sure will be a full Student Section. Weather looks good for a game: Forecast calls for a daytime high of 88 and an evening low of 76. 30% chance for isolated thunderstorms during the day and 20% through the night. Expected relative humidity is 81% Winds are expected to be from the E at 4-7 mph. Sunset is at 7:49pm ET.

Summary:
UCF will open the season with what should be a lopsided victory against S.C. State. This is a great game for the Knights to get the rust out with. The Knights need to stay focused on this game and not look ahead to next weeks match up with our hated foes, USF. Other than that, enjoy the game on Saturday. Last but not least, I leave you with the Keys to the Game and Players to Watch.

Go Knights!