2006 UCF Golden Knights Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 UCF Golden Knights season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 UCF Golden Knights Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to visit our college football odds line service for the upcoming season.

Coach: George O'Leary (3rd year at UCF)
Team Name: Golden Knights
2005 Overall Record: 8-4
2005 Conference USA Record 7-1
Returning Starters: 17

The University of Central Florida Golden Knights sported an 8-4 record behind the solid play of both junior quarterback Steve Moffett (223 COMP, 375 ATT, 2,925 YDS, 22 TDs, 9 INTS) and first-year running back Kevin Smith (249 CARR, 1,178 YDS, 9 TDS). The good news is they are back, along with 6 other offensive starters.

The entire offensive line returns, giving this team a great chance for even more success. The receiving unit lost star Brandon Marshall, leaving senior wide man Mike Walker (64 REC, 855 YDS, 9 TDs) trying to compensate. The running game is deep, which will certainly take pressure off the receivers, allowing them to develop.

For the defense, 10 of 11 starters are back. Paul Carrington (9 sacks) is gone from defensive end and he’ll be tough to replace. The secondary should provide good coverage. Sophomores Joe Burnett (5 INTS) and Johnell Neal team up at safety and sophomores Jason Venson (85 tackles) and Sha’reff Rashad combine in the safety positions to cover the field with talent and experience. The linebackers are young but all return as starters.

If the line can penetrate, the defense will be effective and the variegated offense should generate points. The Knights lost four regular season games in 2005. Swing games against South Florida, Pittsburgh and Houston will decide if they improve that mark.

UCF Golden Knights 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Villanova	Home
Sep 9	Florida	Road
Sep 16	USF	Road
Sep 26	S Mississippi	Home
Oct 4	Marshall	Road
Oct 13	Pittsburgh	Home
Oct 21	Rice	Home
Oct 28	Houston	Road
Nov 4	East Carolina	Home
Nov 11	Memphis	Road
Nov 18	Tulane	Road
Nov 25	UAB	Home

 

For more data on the 2006 UCF football program, view the Golden Knights team website or check out some more schools below.