Knights take the field

The UCF Knights will kick off tonight with a game that could set the tone for the season. They’ve played the Akron Zips before, with convincing results. Last season they won 56-14.

But that was before they lost dual-threat Quincy McDuffie at wide receiver and special teams, and bulldozer running back Latavius Murray. Both graduated to the NFL this season, leaving big holes in the offense where quarterback Blake Bortles formerly had consistent targets.

Bortles will have to rely more heavily on Storm Johnson at running back this season. He started strong last season but saw decreasing playing time as the season went on.

Lucky for the Knights, Johnson had no trouble against the Zips last time around. He raced into the end zone twice on short scampers to help the Knights build a 35-0 lead at the half.

The game starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at Bright House Networks Stadium, and will be televised on ESPN3.