Knights trampled

An unusual Thursday night kickoff at UAB will cut short UCF football’s recuperation after a devastating 38-17 loss to SMU on Oct. 15. With their record standing at 3-3 overall and 1-1 in Conference USA play, the Knights will once again look to regain traction this week.

Last week’s game may be something the Knights prefer to forget after being handily defeated by the Mustangs (5-1, 3-0), who led the entire game after scoring three times in a row to ratchet the score to 17-0 by midway through the second quarter.

Speaking to media after the game, Head Coach George O’Leary called the loss the team’s first real loss of the season, after mistakes from the offense, defense and special teams cost the win. Errors on special teams had largely contributed to the Knights prior losses against FIU and BYU.

The cost of errors against SMU couldn’t have been more prevalent than in the disparity between yards gained versus scoring. The Knights actually outgained the Mustangs 459-440 in total offense and possessed the ball substantially longer, but only managed to score on three of their 11 possessions. With as many possessions, the Mustangs scored six times.

Now with their shortest break of the season, the Knights are prepping for what may be their biggest shoo-in for a win, facing UAB (0-6, 0-3) in the middle of one of its worst losing streaks in its C-USA history.

The Blazers are coming off a 37-20 loss to Tulsa after another weak offensive performance. The Blazers have averaged less than two touchdowns per game so far this season while allowing nearly five touchdowns per game by opponents.

This week’s game kicks off at 8 p.m. Thursday, televised on Sun Sports.