Sports: Central Fla. sticks with freshman QB

Central Fla. sticks with freshman QB

By JAMAL THALJI

The baton has been passed, but a year earlier than planned.

Central Florida coach Mike Kruczek on Monday named redshirt freshman Ryan Schneider the starter against Alabama on Saturday, instead of senior Vic Penn, who has recovered from a separated left shoulder, his non-throwing arm.

Schneider has started the past four games and guided UCF to a 5-3 record, completing 106 of 159 for 1,446 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. The only Division I quarterbacks with a higher pass-efficiency rating than Schneider play at Florida and Florida State.

"Ryan Schneider will be the starter," Kruczek said. "Have you seen his efficiency rating? He's third in the nation, and that's enough said."

Kruczek said both quarterbacks would take snaps in practice but Schneider is the starter.

"I don't think that there is anyone on this team who would doubt the decision," Kruczek said. "When it comes down to it, I think Ryan has outplayed Vic, regardless of injury. I just feel Ryan needs to be the guy right now."

BACK IN IT: North Carolina A&T figured it had wrapped up the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title with a 30-10 rout of Florida A&M two weeks ago. But a 17-16 loss to Howard on Saturday was a welcome wake-up call ... for the Rattlers, that is.

FAMU, which defeated Norfolk State 42-14 Saturday, is back in the conference race after ending its two-game losing skid.

FAMU, North Carolina A&T and Hampton each have one loss in the conference. Bethune-Cookman remains the only undefeated MEAC team. FAMU and North Carolina have yet to face B-CC or Hampton.

This weekend is crucial. FAMU hosts Hampton for homecoming Saturday at Bragg Memorial Stadium. The loser likely is eliminated from the race. B-CC visits North Carolina A&T, and despite a 7-0 start and a No. 22 ranking in the Sports Network Division I-AA poll, the Wildcats have not faced a quality opponent. They will in the No. 23-ranked Aggies.

All the intrigue aside, FAMU coach Billy Joe said his team badly needed the win over Norfolk State.

Despite scoring 42 points, turnovers and mistakes still plagued the offense. But Joe hopes the victory gave his team a much-needed confidence boost.

"I don't care if (the win) came against FAMU High," Joe told the Tallahassee Democrat. "After two straight losses, the victory seemed to give our guys ... more energy and confidence. We still don't quite have the swagger we had previously, but that win did a lot for the ills within the program. Even though I feel we're a good team, the attitude that permeated this team the last few weeks made us two or three touchdowns worse than we really were."

RED CROSS: UCF closes the season against three Division I-A opponents. To upset any of them, the Knights must overcome injuries to several key players.

Defensive captain and senior safety Tommy Shavers' career likely is over due to multiple concussions. Defensive end Don Page has been battling sprained ankles (note the plural) and is probable for the Alabama game. Wide receiver Kenny Clark is hampered by a sore left ankle but should play.

Linebacker Antonie Poe, who sprained his right shoulder, is questionable. The status of defensive lineman Jeff Mauldin, who sprained his left knee, is being re-evaluated.

Schneider, who has a sprained left shoulder, will start. Linebacker Tony Hardman, the team's leading tackler out of Clearwater High, has a sore right knee and is probable. But strong-side tackle Steve Edwards, who has a sprained right ankle, likely is out.

NUNNALLY WATCH: FAMU's Jacquay Nunnally needs six catches in the Rattlers' last three games to surpass Jerry Rice's career receptions record.

- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.