In 2012 Missouri traveled to Orlando and barely got out with a 21-16 win.
Fast-forward two years later and you can bet the current Knights who were there remember the outcome. They have their chance at redemption tomorrow at noon (ET).
UCF head coach George O’Leary announced sophomore quarterback will be leading UCF the rest of the season. After replacing Pete DiNovo in the second half against Penn State, Holman showed his athletic ability and poise in the pocket, falling just short to Penn State.
The Knights have been game-planning for the Tigers for two weeks now and are aware that disrupting Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk will be a key to winning.
Mauk has been impressive thus far. In Missouri’s two wins, the sophomore has thrown for 503 yards, 8 touchdowns, and two interceptions. He lit up Toledo last weekend, passing for 325 yards and five touchdowns in the 49-24 throttling of the Rockets.
UCF will pose a tougher test for Mauk and the Tigers but the Knights will have to be more disciplined.
In the 26-24 loss to Penn State, the Knights were penalized eight times for 47 yards. Heading into a hostile environment, penalties have to be minimized and turnovers could demoralize any chance of a Knights’ upset. The Tigers have a knack for creating turnovers and have been one of the best in the country at doing so. Missouri has caused a turnover in 46 consecutive games, leading the FBS in that category,.
The Knights’ defense will be tried often by the Mizzou’s passing attack. . UCF relinquished 511 yards to the Nittany Lions which has to be a concern heading into tomorrow’s game.
If UCF can get consistent play from the offensive line, Holman and company have the ability to put some points on the scoreboard. The Knights’ have a very talented receiving corp, led by senior J.J. Worton.
UCF also has capable running backs. Dontravious Wilson and Willie Stanback will have to play well to set up the passing game.
All in all, this will be a competitive game and which ever team can play disciplined and smart football will end up the victor.
Prediction
The Knights have certainly gained national respect after winning the Fiesta Bowl last season and winning 1o games in 2012. The program is on the upswing and will continue to get better.
They will have their hands full with the Tigers though, especially on the road. I believe the Knights have the talent to pull of the upset, but will fail to execute and fall just short in an otherwise competitive game.
Missouri 34, UCF 28
*Section Photo credit to Joe Robbins, Getty Images North America; Featured Photo (above) credit to Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel.
