Missouri Tigers Game Preview: UCF Knights
By cmroczka
The Missouri Tigers will complete their home-and-home series with UCF when the Knights visit Columbia this weekend. The last match up in 2012 saw the Tigers escape in Orlando with a 21-16 victory, however both teams look a lot different this time around.
Here’s what you need to know and my prediction for the game:
Expect Maty Mauk to connect with Bud Sasser plenty against UCF. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Opponent: University of Central Florida Knights
Record: 0-1 (0-0 AAC)
Game Time: 11:00 AM CST
Venue: Faurot Field, Columbia, Mo.
Television: SEC Network
Vegas Predictions: Missouri, 9.5 point favorites
The Opponent:
The UCF Knights traveled to Dublin, Ireland in week 1 to take on Penn State and lost a close one to the Nittany Lions on a last second field goal by a score of 26-24. After the offense struggled to the move ball in the first half under redshirt freshmen quarterback Peter DiNovo, head coach George O’Leary opted to start sophomore Justin Holman, who backed up Blake Bortles last season for the Knights.
Holman lead a comeback attempt that fell just short, but did manage to move the ball through the air effectively completing 9-14 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. The following week of the schedule was a bye for the Knights giving them two weeks to prepare for the 20th ranked Tigers.
The Game:
When these teams met in 2012, the UCF Knights were quarterbacked by future top five NFL draft pick Blake Bortles and also featured a steady running back in Storm Johnson. With two of their biggest playmakers gone, the Knights will rely on wide receivers J.J. Worton and Breshad Perriman to take some pressure off their young quarterbacks. The duo combined for eight catches and 164 yards against Penn State as they will look to expose the Tigers’ relatively young, inexperienced secondary.
On the other side, quarterback James Franklin is graduated and Maty Mauk is in control of Missouri’s high powered offense. The Tigers will attempt to keep things consistent by setting up the vertical passing game for Mauk with a quality zone rushing attack fueled by Russell Hansbrough and Marcus Murphy.
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Tigers Will Win If:
They stick to and execute their game plan. The Tigers are the more talented team, but they wont be sleeping on the Knights, arguably their toughest non-conference opponent this season. After Gary Pinkel told media members he had to fire up the team before the Toledo game last week, the Tigers should come out ready to play in front of the home crowd.
Defensively, Missouri should be able to apply pressure by overwhelming the Knights offensive line with a multitude of capable pass rushers. If the UCF offense stalls early and is unable to run the ball effectively, Missouri will force them to play one dimensionally boding well for the Tigers’ very good pass rush.
Knights Will Win If:
They don’t take their foot off the gas. If the Knights can take the early lead on the Tigers and force Mauk into some mistakes, which he has been susceptible to, the Knights will have a chance to steal a win.
In Missouri’s first two games this season, the defense has been gashed a few times for some huge plays, especially up the middle of the field. If the Knights can consistently put together long scoring drives against the Tigers’ defense and keep Mauk off the field, well it could be a long day for fans.
Sep 6, 2014; Toledo, OH, USA; Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) and defensive lineman Markus Golden (33) celebrate after the game against the Toledo Rockets at Glass Bowl. Tigers beat the Rockets 49-24. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Match Up To Watch: Missouri’s Defensive Line Vs. UCF QB’s
Missouri’s Markus Golden and Shane Ray might be the best pair of defensive ends on one of the deepest defensive lines in the entire nation. Whether using speed, power, or effective hand techniques, the duo has been making opposing quarterbacks run for their lives this season. In just two games, Golden and Ray have combined for 25 tackles, 8 1/2 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks.
Given the rushers’ unique blend of raw speed and skill off the edge, Holman and DiNovo will be tested immediately on their release and decision making. The young quarterbacks won’t have much time to sit in the pocket and go through their reads, so they will have to be quick and decisive with their receivers to neutralize Missouri’s biggest strength.
Prediction:
Missouri 42 – UCF 17
I like Missouri to control the tempo from the opening drive and try to force the Knights into a shootout type game, which benefits the Tigers. Mauk almost seems better when he’s running the offense very quickly, or at least more in rhythm with the fast pace. I think the coaching staff is starting to recognize that more and will keep giving him plenty of opportunities to make big plays for the offense, whether it’s through the passing game or with his feet.