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No lack of confidence

Coach Mike Kruczek likes his teams to play a tough schedule.

By JAMAL THALJI

© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 31, 2001

ORLANDO -- Central Florida won seven games last season, including a stunning 40-38 upset of storied Alabama, but all coach Mike Kruczek can think about are four losses.

"When I looked at the four losses we had, the problem wasn't a discrepancy in talent level, it was turnovers," he said. "I guess the message I'm trying to send is that the University of Central Florida can compete with anybody on our schedule.

"Anybody."

UCF needs to display that kind of bravado this season, on and off the field, as the program builds on its successes and strives for Top 25 status.

Off the field, UCF must carve out a niche in a state where Florida, Miami and Florida State dominate the headlines, battle out-of-state Division I powers for recruits and hold off South Florida's rising I-A program.

As always, the conference issue vexes UCF. Hopes of becoming Conference USA's 12th team might be fleeting. The Mid-American Conference reportedly extended an invitation to UCF if Marshall doesn't leave for C-USA, creating a 14-team MAC. But if Marshall leaves, the MAC will remain at 12 teams and UCF will remain an independent, with all of the scheduling and financial hardships that entails.

UCF's on-the-field challenges are just as tough. Beating 'Bama was just the start. It still has not defeated a Top 25 team and has never been to a bowl game. Then there's the schedule. To recruit the best, to be considered among the best, UCF schedules the best.

Road games against No. 9 Virginia Tech, No. 19 Clemson, Arkansas, Syracuse, Tulane and Utah State loom this season. Alabama-Birmingham, Akron, Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe await at home in the Citrus Bowl, making a third winning season in Kruczek's fourth year a daunting task.

Fortunately, a solid nucleus returns. An injury made redshirt freshman quarterback Ryan Schneider a starter last season, and he responded by completing 177 of 286 passes for 2,334 yards and 21 touchdowns. Schneider was ninth in the nation in passing efficiency and 12th in passing offense.

The departures of Tyson Hinshaw and Kenny Clark leave the receiving unit raw, but Kruczek calls it his most talented with Jimmy Fryzell and Tavirus Davis leading the way.

Developing a running game will be crucial to win on the road this season. Redshirt freshman Alex Haynes looks to star, but three starters are gone from the offensive line. Strongside guard Willie Comerford and tackle Steve Edwards will lead the unit.

Last season UCF developed a defense to match its potent offense, ranking 28th in total defense. Six starters return.

Middle linebacker Tito Rodriguez had 121 tackles last season. Tackle Josh McKibben (80 tackles, 14 for a loss) and pass-rush specialist Elton Patterson (10 sacks) anchor the defensive line. Starting cornerback Travis Fisher and safety Ricot Joseph return.

Experience will be lacking with seven starters missing on offense and five on defense. Still, the talent level never has been this good, following an excellent recruiting class.

Confidence isn't lacking, either.

"I expect to win every game," Schneider said. "I expect to go to a bowl."

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