2011 UCF Knights football | |
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Conference | Conference USA |
East | |
Record | 5–7 (3–5 C-USA) |
Head coach |
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Offensive coordinator | Charlie Taaffe (3rd season) |
Defensive coordinator | John Skladany (2nd season) |
Base defense | 4–3 |
Home stadium | Bright House Networks Stadium |
Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
East Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 20 Southern Miss x$ | 6 | – | 2 | 12 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Marshall | 5 | – | 3 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
East Carolina | 4 | – | 4 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UAB | 3 | – | 5 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UCF | 3 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memphis | 1 | – | 7 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
West Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
No. 18 Houston x | 8 | – | 0 | 13 | – | 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulsa | 7 | – | 1 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
SMU | 5 | – | 3 | 8 | – | 5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rice | 3 | – | 5 | 4 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
UTEP | 2 | – | 6 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tulane | 1 | – | 7 | 2 | – | 11 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Championship: Southern Miss 49, Houston 28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rankings from AP Poll |
The 2011 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights played in the East Division of Conference USA, and played their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Knights were led by head coach George O'Leary, who was in his eighth season with the team. They finished the season 5–7, 3–5 in C-USA play to finish in a tie for fourth place in the East Division.
All games were broadcast live on the UCF-ISP Sports radio network. [1] The Knights flagship station was WYGM "740 The Game" in Orlando.
2011 UCF Knights coaching staff | |||||||
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Head coaches
Offensive coaches
Defensive coaches
| Special teams
Administrative staff
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2011 UCF Knights roster | ||||||||
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2011 Roster from the University of Central Florida Knights [usurped] | ||||||||
Quarterbacks
Halfbacks Fullbacks Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends | Offensive line
Defensive ends
Defensive tackles Defensive backs
| Defensive line
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties | Punters/Kickers
Snappers Terms: |
US college sports recruiting information for 2011 recruits | ||||||
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Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | 40‡ | Commit date |
Demetris Anderson DT | Fort Pierce, FL | Westwood | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 285 lb (129 kg) | 5.28 | Aug 24, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 76 | ||||||
Brandon Bragg DB | Orlando, FL | University | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | N/A | Jun 9, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 72 | ||||||
Terran Buck LB | Aurora, IL | College of DuPage | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 235 lb (107 kg) | 4.6 | Jan 17, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Tarik Cook OL | Stone Mountain, GA | Stephenson | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 294 lb (133 kg) | N/A | Jun 17, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Raymond Cottman LB | Glendale, AZ | Glendale C.C. | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | 4.7 | Nov 15, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Jeremy Davis DB | New Berlin, NY | New Berlin, NY Milford Academy | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 188 lb (85 kg) | N/A | Jan 30, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Bruce Dukes DB | Tyrone, GA | Sandy Creek | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | 170 lb (77 kg) | 4.46 | Jan 24, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 76 | ||||||
Mike Easton DB | Winter Haven, FL | Winter Haven | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | N/A | Jun 14, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 45 | ||||||
Joey Grant DE | Apopka, FL | Lake Brantley | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | 4.8 | Jul 8, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 45 | ||||||
Troy Gray LB | Kennesaw, GA | North Cobb | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.5 | Jan 23, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Deion Green DE | Orlando, FL | Edgewater | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | 4.7 | Aug 9, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Rannell Hall WR | Miami, FL | Carol City | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | 4.5 | Jan 30, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 45 | ||||||
Cameron Henderson DE | Corsicana, TX | Navarro J.C. | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 250 lb (110 kg) | 4.6 | Dec 21, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Jared Henry DB | Jacksonville, FL | First Coast | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 4.6 | Jan 24, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Kentorius Jackson DB | Milledgeville, GA | Georgia Military College | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 182 lb (83 kg) | N/A | Dec 13, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Toby Jackson DE | Corsicana, TX | Navarro J.C. | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 265 lb (120 kg) | 4.7 | Dec 14, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A | ||||||
Jose Jose G | Miami, FL | Eastern Arizona J.C. | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 330 lb (150 kg) | 5.63 | Jan 17, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 75 | ||||||
Jacques Mackeroy WR | Lakeland, FL | Kathleen | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | 4.55 | Jul 19, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Kevin Miller TE | Delran, NJ | Holy Cross | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 241 lb (109 kg) | 4.7 | Jul 8, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 72 | ||||||
Willie Mitchell LB | Deltona, FL | Pine Ridge | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | N/A | Mar 26, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Thomas Niles DT | Gainesville, GA | Gainesville | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 260 lb (120 kg) | 4.93 | Jul 15, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Miles Pace LB | Miami, FL | Miami Central | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 237 lb (108 kg) | 4.7 | Jul 25, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Breshad Perriman WR | Lithonia, GA | Arabia Mountain | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | N/A | Jan 30, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 70 | ||||||
Terrance Plummer LB | Orange Park, FL | Orange Park | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 221 lb (100 kg) | N/A | Jan 24, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
DaMarcus Smith QB | Louisville, KY | Seneca | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | 4.64 | Feb 4, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 77 | ||||||
Cedric Thompson RB | Miramar, FL | Everglades | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | N/A | Jun 29, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 73 | ||||||
Justin Tukes TE | Sylvester, GA | Worth County | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | 4.72 | Oct 25, 2009 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 45 | ||||||
Dalton Wertz DT | Arcadia, FL | De Soto | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 285 lb (129 kg) | N/A | Jun 21, 2010 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 75 | ||||||
Rayshon Williams WR | Denver, CO | Mullen | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | 4.5 | Feb 3, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Leilon Willingham LB | Denver, CO | Mullen | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 240 lb (110 kg) | 4.6 | Feb 3, 2011 |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: Rivals: 247Sports: N/A ESPN grade: 78 | ||||||
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 57 Rivals: 39 | ||||||
Sources:
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Date | Time | Opponent | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
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September 3 | 7:00 pm | Charleston Southern (FCS)* | BHSN | W 62–0 | 39,752 [2] | |
September 10 | 8:00 pm | Boston College * |
| CBSSN | W 30–3 | 45,671 [3] |
September 17 | 6:00 pm | at FIU * | ESPN3 | L 10–17 | 20,205 [4] | |
September 23 | 8:00 pm | at BYU * | ESPN | L 17–24 | 59,874 [5] | |
October 8 | 7:00 pm | Marshall |
| BHSN | W 16–6 | 24,750 [6] |
October 15 | 3:30 pm | at SMU | FSN | L 17–38 | 22,932 [7] | |
October 20 | 8:00 pm | at UAB | CSS | L 24–26 | 8,872 [8] | |
October 29 | 4:00 pm | Memphis |
| BHSN | W 41–0 | 37,683 [9] |
November 3 | 8:00 pm | Tulsa |
| CBSSN | L 17–24 | 36,712 [10] |
November 12 | 8:00 pm | at No. 25 Southern Miss | CBSSN | L 29–30 | 32,925 [11] | |
November 19 | 7:00 pm | at East Carolina | FSN | L 31–38 | 50,277 [12] | |
November 25 | 7:00 pm | UTEP |
| CBSSN | W 31–14 | 21,127 [13] |
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2011 marked the fourth straight year that UCF opened the season against an FCS opponent, and the sixth straight opening win for the Knights.
The offense, led by sophomore quarterback Jeff Godfrey, got out to fast start against the Buccaneers, scoring on their first five possessions, including a 7-yard touchdown run by Godfrey 2:31 into the game. From there the Knights never surrendered the lead, only turning the ball over once on a fumble by Josh Robinson during a punt return. Godfrey rushed 46 yards for three touchdowns, and went 6-for-10 for 100-yards. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles went 8-for-10 for 144 yards. Ronnie Weaver rushed for 107 yards on 8 carries for one touchdown, and Joshua Reese caught 4 passes for 97 yards.
UCF set a program record with eight rushing touchdowns, while the Knights had 560 yards of total offense, 244 by air and 316 rushing. The 62–0 score marked the second-largest shutout in school history and the third-most total points since UCF joined the FBS in 1996. The game also marked the Knights' first shutout since a 49–0 game against Tulane in 2009.
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The victory marks UCF's first ever home win against a BCS Automatic-Qualifying opponent, and only their fourth win over an AQ team in program history. The game marked the second meeting between the two schools, with the Eagles winning the first contest 7–34 in 2008.
The Knights defense held strong, only allowing a field goal to the Eagles on their first drive with 7:52 left in the first quarter. From that point on, UCF held the game firmly in its grasp, scoring three field goals and three touchdowns. Jeff Godfrey went 20-for-25 for 187-yards, and rushed for 69 yards for two touchdowns. Latavius Murray rushed for 72 yards on 10 carries for one touchdown, and A.J. Guyton caught 5 passes for 45 yards. The Knights caught two interceptions thrown by the Eagles in the fourth quarter, both resulting in a touchdown. UCF had 422 total yards of offense, with 235-yards rushing and 187-yards passing.
Dating back to last year, UCF has won six-straight games and 11 of its last 12, and hasn't allowed a touchdown in 12–straight quarters. With the win, the Knights move to 2–0 for the first time since 1998.
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This game marked the first meeting between the two programs, and the first of a four-game series. The loss was UCF's first in seven games, and snapped the Knights' defensive record of 14 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. UCF turned the ball over twice, on a fumble by Jeff Godfrey and muffed punt by Josh Robinson, with both turnovers resulting in touchdowns by the Golden Panthers.
Jeff Godfrey went 17-for-27 for 181-yards, and rushed for 65-yards for a touchdown. All three of the Knights running backs saw play, with Ronnie Weaver rushing for 34-yards on 9 carries, Brynn Harvey rushing for 31-yards on 6 carries and Latavius Murray rushing for 13-yards on 6 carries. Quincy McDuffie caught 6 passes for 70-yards, and Adam Nissley hauled in 4 passes for 53-yards. Nick Cattoi was one-for-two kicking, making a 31-yard field goal but missing a 51-yard attempt.
The Knights outgained FIU 266-yards to 204, but were flagged for nine penalties for 56-yards. After allowing just one sack in their first two games, UCF surrendered six against the Golden Panthers. The highlight of the night for UCF was an 18-play, 94-yard, 10-minute possession that led to the Knights only touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
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This matchup marked the first game between the two programs, with BYU making a return trip to Orlando in 2014. For the second straight game UCF lost the turnover battle, turning the ball over three times, on a fumble by Dontravius Floyd, a muffed punt by J.J. Worton and an interception, with two turnovers resulting in touchdowns by the Cougars.
Jeff Godfrey went 17-for-25 for 272-yards, his third career 200-yard game, and rushed for two touchdowns. Ronnie Weaver rushed for 38 yards on 7 carries and Latavius Murray rushing for 31-yards on 12 carries. AJ Guyton was the big playmaker of the night for UCF, with 9 receptions for 163-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 5 passes for 50-yards. The Knights special teams woes continued, as Nick Cattoi was one-for-two kicking, making a 34-yard field goal but missing a 35-yard attempt, and as UCF allowed BYU's first kickoff return for a touchdown since 1998.
The Knights outgained BYU 399-yards to 260, but were inefficient on the ground with 34 carries resulting in only 81 yards. UCF suffered a scare in the second half when sophomore Jeff Godfrey went down with an apparent injury. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game, resurrecting a drive deep in Knights territory and going 4-for-5 for 46-yards. The loss snapped a 5-game winning streak by UCF on ESPN, and marked the first time since 2008 that the Knights dropped two games in a row.
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UCF has now won 7-straight games against the Thundering Herd, never losing to them since both teams entered Conference USA in 2005. In a game that was marred by rain, the Knights possessed the ball for over 40 minutes while the Thundering Herd held the ball for under 20. Jeff Godfrey rushed for 15 yards, and went 13-for-22 for 147 yards. Brynn Harvey rushed for 180-yards on 30 carries for one touchdown, and Joshua Reese caught 4 passes for 42-yards.
UCF's defense continues to shine, allowing only 130-yards and no offensive scores. The Knights are the only team in the country that has not allowed a passing touchdown this season. UCF also earned its first safety since an October 2008 game against Tulsa.
The win marked George O'Leary's 100th career victory. Since joining C-USA, UCF is 4–3 in conference openers, opening the season with wins in 2005, 2007 and 2010, all years the Knights went on to play in the conference championship game.
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In a game that was a rematch of the 2010 Conference USA Championship Game, the Mustangs dominated the Knights both offensively and defensively. SMU proved difficult to stop in the air, with UCF allowing 358 passing yards, and 440-yards of total offense.
The Knights dominated the time of possession, with over 37 minutes, but only scored 3 times. Jeff Godfrey went 23-for-32 for 231-yards for a touchdown, and rushed for 46-yards on 12 carries. Brynn Harvey rushed for 66-yards on 21 carries, and Joshua Reese caught 5 passes for 74-yards. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game for the Knights in the 4th quarter, leading the team on a quick scoring drive and going 9-for-12 for 118-yards and a touchdown.
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UCF suffered another devastating loss against an 0–6 Blazers team in Birmingham. The Knights woes continued on both the offensive and defensive fronts, as UCF lost the battle for the time of possession for the first time this season, and allowed UAB 501 yards and 27 first downs. The Knights scored early but surrendered the lead before halftime. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game for the Knights in the 4th quarter, leading the team on a 10–0 run. With 21 seconds left, UAB kicker Ty Long struck a 40-yard field goal giving the Blazers a 26–24 lead, and sealing their first win of the season.
Godfrey went 13-for-22 for 133-yards and Blake Bortles went 6-for-10 for 102-yards. Brynn Harvery rushed for 74-yards on 17 carries for two touchdowns. Joshua Reese was the big playmaker of the night for UCF, with 4 receptions for 41-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 2 passes for 39-yards. Running back Ronnie Weaver also had one 53-yard reception. After the game, debate arose once again over the fate of the Knight's starting quarterback job.
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After losing four of their last five, the Knights proved victorious on homecoming. UCF is now 22–10 all time on Homecoming weekend and 23–8 (16–4) at home. This was the Knights third straight homecoming win, dating back to a 2009 rout of the then-ranked No. 12 Houston Cougars.
Jeff Godfrey went 14-for-17 for 200-yards for one touchdown. Godfrey also rushed 97-yards on 10 carries for a touchdown. Brynn Harvey rushed for 78 yards on 17 carries and Ronnie Weaver ran for 41-yards on 10 carries, both for a touchdown. Joshua Reese had 4 receptions for 70-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 3 passes for 49-yards and rushed for 29-yards, getting his first career rushing touchdown.
UCF dominated the Tigers on both sides of the ball, firmly controlling the clock, gaining 505-yards on 40 minutes of possession, and only allowing Memphis 134-yards. UCF ranks second in the country behind Texas, averaging 34:51 in time of possession. Twice this season the Knights have held the ball for over 40 minutes, against Marshall (40:14) and Memphis (40:03). The Knights lead Conference USA in total defense, and the Knights ranks in the top-10 nationally in rushing, passing, passing efficiency, total and scoring defense.
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UCF's defense continued to struggle, allowing Tulsa 251 rushing yards, after averaging only 84.5 yards allowed during the previous eight games. The Golden Hurricane also scored the first offensive touchdown against the Knights at home since December 4, 2010, a full 334 days.
Jeff Godfrey went 16-for-23 for 226 yards, his fifth career 200-yard game, for one touchdown. Godfrey also rushed 46 yards on 14 carries. Brynn Harvey rushed for 26 yards on 7 carries and Ronnie Weaver had 9 carries for 36 yards for a touchdown. The Knights had two big receivers for the night: J. J. Worton had 4 receptions for 87 yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 4 passes for 81 yards. Rannell Hall returned five kicks for 148 yards, and Shawn Moffit was 1-for-2 on field goals, making a 29-yard kick in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, the fifth of the season for the Knights, UCF no longer controlled its own destiny in conference play, matched its loss total from 2009, and had to win two of its last three games to become bowl-eligible for the third-straight year.
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The Knights woes continued as they dropped their second straight match. UCF trailed by seven entering the fourth quarter, when back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game for the Knights, leading the team on a 14-point scoring run. As time expired, Bortles threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to freshman wideout J.J. Worton. With the Knights down one, the team decided to go for the win with a two-point conversion but fell short.
Godfrey went 7-for-10 for 68-yards and Blake Bortles went 24-for-34 for 248 yards. Latavius Murray rushed for 19 yards on 4 carries and Ronnie Weaver had 11 carries for 12 yards. J.J. Worton was the big playmaker of the night for UCF, with 11 receptions for 114 yards, while A.J. Guyton caught 4 passes for 58 yards. After the Knights failed two-point conversion, debate arose again over the fate of the Knight's starting quarterback job and head coach George O'Leary.
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In a devastating loss that ended the Knights quest for a bowl game, East Carolina out-passed, out-rushed and most importantly out-scored the Knights.
Jeff Godfrey went 9-for-13 for 100 yards and a touchdown. Godfrey also rushed 17-yards on 14 carries. Blake Bortles was 9-for-17 for 98 yards for two touchdowns. Latavius Murray rushed for one touchdown and finished the game with 87 yards on 21 carries. The Knights had two big receivers for the night, Quincy McDuffie had 9 receptions for 93 yards, while Joshua Reese caught 4 passes for 51 yards. Rannell Hall returned five kicks for 184 yards, J.J. Worton had one kickoff return for 37 yards and Nick Cattoi was 1-for-2 on field goals, making a 39-yard kick in the second quarter.
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In the Knights season finale, the team amassed 406 yards of total offense, 211 in the air and 249 on the ground. Even though UCF's second-year starter Jeff Godfrey began the game, second-string quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game early and remained the Knights' signal caller until the end of the contest. This would mark Godfrey's last game with the Knights, as he announced he would transfer following the season.
In his short playing time, Godfrey went 5-for-6 for 53-yards and Blake Bortles went 9-for-12 for 158-yards. Bortles also rushed for 16-yards on 7 attempts. Latavius Murray rushed for 233 yards on 21 carries for two touchdowns. The Knights receiving core was active, with five different receivers getting over 20-yards. J.J. Worton had 48 yards, Joshua Reese had 43, A.J. Guyton finished the game with 29, running back Ronnie Weaver had 25 receiving yards and Latavius Murray had 2 receptions for 24 yards.
Charlie Taaffe was an American gridiron football coach who was the head football coach at The Citadel from 1987 to 1996. He is the winningest head coach in the school's history. He was also the head coach of the Canadian Football League's Montreal Alouettes and Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The 2007 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Their head coach was George O'Leary, in his fourth season with the school. The season was highlighted by the completion of their new on-campus stadium. The Knights moved out of the aging Citrus Bowl in downtown Orlando, and began playing their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium, located on the main campus of UCF in east Orlando, Florida. In addition, the team changed its nickname from "Golden Knights" back to simply "Knights." From its inception in 1979 to 1992, the football team had been known as the Knights, then used the name "Golden Knights" from 1993 until 2006.
The 2005 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl matched the UCF Golden Knights against the Nevada Wolf Pack. The fourth edition of the Hawaii Bowl was held in Halawa, Hawaii and featured WAC champions Nevada versus Conference USA runner–up UCF. The game was sponsored by Sheraton Hotels and Resorts and was played on Christmas Eve.
The 2010 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2010 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Their head coach was George O'Leary, who was in his seventh season with the team. For the first time in program history, the Knights were nationally ranked following a nationally televised rout of Houston on November 5. For the third time in six years, UCF won the Conference USA Eastern Division and later, became Conference USA champions for the second time in four seasons. As a result, the Knights appeared in the Liberty Bowl, in which they defeated Georgia 10–6, for the first bowl victory in program history. UCF finished the season ranked in both final national polls, 20th in the Coaches Poll, and 21st in the AP Poll.
The 2010 Liberty Bowl was a college football postseason bowl game played at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 31, 2010. The 52nd edition of the Liberty Bowl matched up the Georgia Bulldogs of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) against the UCF Knights, the Conference USA champions. With sponsorship from AutoZone, the game was officially the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. The game was won by UCF, 10–6.
Jeffrey Godfrey IV is a former American football Slotback. Godfrey played for the University of Central Florida Knights. He led the Knights to the Conference USA Championship in his freshman year (2010), becoming the first true freshman quarterback to win an FBS conference championship game.
The 2011 Marshall Thundering Herd football team represented Marshall University in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Thundering Herd were led by second-year head coach Doc Holliday and played their home games at Joan C. Edwards Stadium. They are a member of the East Division of Conference USA. They finished the season 7–6, 5–3 in C-USA to finish in second place in the East Division. They were invited to the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl where they defeated FIU 20–10.
The 1998 UCF Golden Knights football season was the twentieth season overall for the team, and third season as an NCAA Division I-A Independent. After the resignation of Gene McDowell, Mike Kruczek became the new head coach of the Golden Knights. Kruczek led UCF to a 9–2 record in 1998, the program's best season at the time. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper finished 6th in the Heisman Trophy voting and set a then-NCAA record for completion percentage (73.4%). UCF received a tentative verbal agreement to play in the Oahu Bowl. However, the arrangement fell through in the final week of the season.
The 2013 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2013 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were members of the American Athletic Conference, and played their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium on UCF's main campus in Orlando, Florida. The Knights were led by head coach George O'Leary, who was in his tenth season with the team.
Latavius Rashard Murray is an American football running back who is a free agent. He played college football at UCF and was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL draft, with whom he would earn Pro Bowl honors in 2015. He was also a member of the Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills.
Robby Blake Bortles is an American former football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons, primarily with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He played college football for the UCF Knights, where he received AAC Offensive Player of the Year honors as a junior and was MVP of the 2014 Fiesta Bowl. Bortles was selected by the Jaguars third overall in the 2014 NFL draft.
The 2014 Fiesta Bowl was a college football bowl game that was played on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. In this, the 43rd annual Fiesta Bowl, the Baylor Bears, champions of the Big 12 Conference, played the UCF Knights, champions of the American Athletic Conference. The game was broadcast live on ESPN at 6:30 PM MST. It was one of the 2013–14 bowl games that concluded the 2013 FBS football season. It was sponsored by the Tostitos snack food brand and was officially known as the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.
The 2014 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2014 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were members of the American Athletic Conference, and played their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium on UCF's main campus in Orlando, Florida. The Knights were led by head coach George O'Leary, who was in his eleventh season with the team.
Storm Johnson is a former American football running back. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played college football at UCF.
The South Florida–UCF football rivalry, better known as the War on I-4, is an American college football rivalry between the South Florida Bulls football team of the University of South Florida and UCF Knights football team of the University of Central Florida. As of the 2022 meeting, the Knights hold a 8–6 lead in the series.
The National Football League playoffs for the 2017 season began with the wild-card round on January 6, 2018, and concluded with Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018, when the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The 2018 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) during the 2018 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They played their home games at Spectrum Stadium in Orlando, Florida, and were led by first-year head coach Josh Heupel. The Knights competed as members of the East Division of the American Athletic Conference. The 2018 season marked the 40th season of football for the Knights program.
The 2020 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) during the 2020 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by third-year head coach Josh Heupel and played their home games at Bounce House in Orlando, Florida. They competed as members of the American Athletic Conference. The Knights finished the regular season 6–4 and notably did not have any games of their revised schedule postponed or canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 2021 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by first-year head coach Gus Malzahn and played their home games at Bounce House in Orlando, Florida. They competed as members of the American Athletic Conference.
The 2022 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida (UCF) during the 2022 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Knights were led by second-year head coach Gus Malzahn and played their home games at the newly named FBC Mortgage Stadium in Orlando, Florida. They competed as members of the American Athletic Conference.