The UCF Knights will begin their football season tomorrow against the Bulldogs of Samford University of Birmingham, Alabama. Going in as 19.5 point-favorites, this game will most likely serve as a scrimmage for UCF. But Knights’ fans are PUMPED and ready to turn the page on last year’s abysmal 4-8 season. As of early Thursday, the UCF Athletics Office reported less than 2,000 seats remaining within UCF’s 52,000 seat Bright House Networks Stadium. After this week’s matchup, the Knights will immediately enter Conference USA competition with a game against the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles, who many sportscasters predicted will be this year’s Conference Champions. UCF will take the field under new leadership on the offensive front.
Tim Salem was handed a demotion at the end of last season and made the Tight Ends Coach. Charlie Taffe took over the reigns as Offensive Coordinator and will be infusing new offensive schemes into the Knights’ attack this season. UCF returns quite a few players from last season, including most of its strong defensive line. The offense remains under the gun of quarterback Rob Calabrese. Practice reports and comments made by head coach George O’Leary indicate Calabrese has made significant improvements during the off-season. And receiver Rocky Ross is also returning after a clavicular fracture prematurely sidelined him after the second game of the 2008 season. Tailgating parties for the Alumni Associations of the College of Health & Public Affairs and the College of Nursing start at 1:00pm in the area of Memory Mall right behind the Fairwinds Alumni Center. Kickoff is at 7:30pm. The game will be televised on Bright House Networks Florida Sports Network.