Jan 1, 2019; Glendale, AZ, USA; UCF Knights running back Adrian Killins Jr. (9) runs the ball as LSU Tigers safety JaCoby Stevens (3) chases during the first half during the 2019 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
LOCATION: Orlando, Fla.
COACH: Josh Heupel — At UCF and overall: 12-1, 1 year
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Josh Heupel
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Randy Shannon
LAST LEAGUE TITLE: 2018, AAC
LAST TIME DIDN’T GO BOWLING: 2015
RETURNING STARTERS: 11; 6 offense, 5 defense
PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Brandon Wimbush, RB Adrian Killins Jr., RB Greg McCrae, WR Gabriel Davis, WR Tre Nixon, DE Brandon Hayes, CB Nevelle Clark, CB Brandon Moore, FS Richie Grant
PRIMARY STRENGTHS: Despite the loss of Dredrick Snelson, the receiving corps is talented and deep. There also is depth and star power at running back; McCrae averaged 8.0 yards per carry. The secondary is the strength of the defense with three returning starters.
POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Quarterback is still unsettled, at least officially, heading into fall camp. The left side of the offensive line will have two new starters. The defensive line is being rebuilt after losing three starters.
OVERVIEW
Another unbeaten regular season would be expecting a bit much, but until somebody unseats them, the Knights are the favorites for another AAC title. A third consecutive meeting with Memphis in the AAC Championship Game is not out of the question.
TOP NEWCOMER
QB Brandon Wimbush: Wimbush was a starter at Notre Dame in 2017 but lost his job early in 2018 and transferred after the season. Immediately eligible, he didn’t come to UCF to be a backup, but he does face competition from last year’s second-stringer, sophomore Darriel Mack Jr.
SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 FLORIDA A&M
Sept. 7 at FAU
Sept. 14 STANFORD
Sept. 21 at Pittsburgh
Sept. 28 CONNECTICUT
Oct. 4 at Cincinnati
Oct. 19 EAST CAROLINA
Oct. 26 at Temple
Nov. 2 HOUSTON
Nov. 8 at Tulsa
Nov. 23 at Tulane
Nov. 29 SOUTH FLORIDA
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