2011 UCF Knights football team
Encyclopedia
The 2011 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
. The Knights played in the Eastern Division of Conference USA
, and played their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium
in Orlando, Florida
. The Knights were led by head coach George O'Leary
, who was in his eighth season with the team.
All games were broadcast live on the UCF-ISP Sports
radio network. The Knights flagship station was WYGM "740 The Game" in Orlando.
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida, commonly referred to as UCF, is a metropolitan public research university located in Orlando, Florida, United States...
in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season
The 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, began on Thursday, September 1, 2011...
. The Knights played in the Eastern Division of Conference USA
Conference USA
Conference USA, officially abbreviated C-USA, is a college athletic conference whose member institutions are located within the Southern United States. The conference participates in the NCAA's Division I in all sports...
, and played their home games at Bright House Networks Stadium
Bright House Networks Stadium
Bright House Networks Stadium is the football stadium for the University of Central Florida’s football team, nicknamed the Knights. Located in Knights Plaza on the main campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, the stadium was the first on-campus stadium in NCAA Division I...
in Orlando, Florida
Orlando, Florida
Orlando is a city in the central region of the U.S. state of Florida. It is the county seat of Orange County, and the center of the Greater Orlando metropolitan area. According to the 2010 US Census, the city had a population of 238,300, making Orlando the 79th largest city in the United States...
. The Knights were led by head coach George O'Leary
George O'Leary
George Joseph O'Leary is the head football coach of the UCF Knights football team that represents the University of Central Florida located in Orlando, Florida; he previously coached the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets football team from 1994 to 2001, and served as an assistant coach for the Minnesota...
, who was in his eighth season with the team.
All games were broadcast live on the UCF-ISP Sports
ISP Sports
IMG College, is a sports marketing company formed from the acquisition of Host Communications in 2007 and ISP Sports in 2010.ISP Sports was founded in 1992 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina providing sports marketing and broadcast services for collegiate athletics across the United States. In...
radio network. The Knights flagship station was WYGM "740 The Game" in Orlando.
Personnel
Coaching staff
| 2011 UCF Knights coaching staff | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Head Coaches
Offensive Coaches
Defensive Coaches
|
Special Teams
Administrative Staff
|
||||||
Roster
| 2011 UCF Knights roster | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Roster from the University of of Central Florida Knights Athletics | ||||||||
Quarterbacks
Halfbacks
Fullbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
|
Offensive Line
Defensive Ends
Defensive Tackles
Defensive Backs
|
Defensive Line
Linebackers
Cornerbacks
Safeties
|
Punters/Kickers
Snappers
Terms:
|
|||||
Recruiting class
Schedule
Rankings
Charleston Southern
2011 marked the fourth straight year that UCF has opened the season against an FCS opponent, and the sixth straight opening win for the Knights.The offense, led by Sophomore quarterback Jeff Godfrey
Jeff Godfrey
Jeffrey Godfrey IV, also known as Jeff Godfrey is an American football quarterback currently starting for the University of Central Florida Knights...
, got out to fast start against the Buccaneers, scoring on their first five possessions, including a 7-yard touchdown run by Godfrey 2:31 into the game. From there the Knights never surrendered the lead, only turning the ball over once on a fumble by Josh Robinson during a punt return. Godfrey rushed 46-yards for three touchdowns, and went 6-for-10 for 100-yards. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles went 8-for-10 for 144-yards. Ronnie Weaver rushed for 107-yards on 8 carries for one touchdown, and Joshua Reese caught 4 passes for 97-yards.
UCF set a program record with eight rushing touchdowns, while the Knights had 560-yards of total offense, 244 by air and 316 rushing. The 62–0 score marked the second-largest shutout in school history and the third-most total points since UCF joined the FBS in 1996. The game also marked the Knights first shutout since a 49–0 game against Tulane in 2009
2009 UCF Knights football team
The 2009 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Their head coach was George O'Leary, in his sixth season with the team. Coaching changes included new offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe...
.
Boston College
The victory marks UCF's first ever home win against a BCS Automatic-Qualifying opponent, and only their fourth win over an AQ team in program history. The game marked the second meeting between the two schools, with the Eagles winning the first contest 7–34 in 20082008 UCF Knights football team
The 2008 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Their head coach was George O'Leary, in his fifth season with the team. For the second season, the UCF Knights played all of their home games at Bright House Networks...
.
The Knights defense held strong, only allowing a field goal to the Eagles on their first drive with 7:52 left in the first quarter. From that point on, UCF held the game firmly in its grasp, scoring three field goals and three touchdowns. Jeff Godfrey went 20-for-25 for 187-yards, and rushed for 69-yards for two touchdowns. Latavius Murray rushed for 72-yards on 10 carries for one touchdown, and A.J. Guyton caught 5 passes for 45-yards. The Knights caught two interceptions thrown by the Eagles in the fourth quarter, both resulting in a touchdown. UCF had 422 total yards of offense, with 235-yards rushing and 187-yards passing.
Dating back to last year, UCF has won six-straight games and 11 of its last 12, and hasn't allowed a touchdown in 12–straight quarters. With the win, the Knights move to 2–0 for the first time since 1998.
FIU
This game marks the first meeting between the two programs, and the first of a four game series. The loss is UCF's first in seven games, and snapped the Knights defensive record of 14 straight quarters without allowing a touchdown. UCF turned the ball over twice, on a fumble by Jeff Godfrey and muffed punt by Josh Robinson, with both turnovers resulting in touchdowns by the Golden Panthers.Jeff Godfrey went 17-for-27 for 181-yards, and rushed for 65-yards for a touchdown. All three of the Knights running backs saw play, with Ronnie Weaver rushing for 34-yards on 9 carries, Brynn Harvey rushing for 31-yards on 6 carries and Latavius Murray rushing for 13-yards on 6 carries. Quincy McDuffie caught 6 passes for 70-yards, and Adam Nissley hauled in 4 passes for 53-yards. Nick Cattoi was one-for-two kicking, making a 31-yard field goal but missing a 51-yard attempt.
The Knights outgained FIU 266-yards to 204, but were flagged for nine penalties for 56-yards. After allowing just one sack in their first two games, UCF surrendered six against the Golden Panthers. The highlight of the night for UCF was an 18-play, 94-yard, 10 minute possession that led to the Knights only touchdown of the game in the second quarter.
BYU
This matchup marked the first game between the two programs, with BYU making a return trip to Orlando in 2014. For the second straight game UCF lost the turnover battle, turning the ball over three times, on a fumble by Dontravius Floyd, a muffed punt by J.J. Worton and a interception, with two turnovers resulting in touchdowns by the Cougars.Jeff Godfrey went 17-for-25 for 272-yards, his third career 200-yard game, and rushed for two touchdowns. Ronnie Weaver rushed for 38 yards on 7 carries and Latavius Murray rushing for 31-yards on 12 carries. AJ Guyton was the big playmaker of the night for UCF, with 9 receptions for 163-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 5 passes for 50-yards. The Knights special teams woes continued, as Nick Cattoi was one-for-two kicking, making a 34-yard field goal but missing a 35-yard attempt, and as UCF allowed BYU's first kickoff return for a touchdown since 1998.
The Knights outgained BYU 399-yards to 260, but were but were inefficient on the ground with 34 carries resulting in only 81 yards. UCF suffered a scare in the second half when sophomore Jeff Godfrey went down with an apparent injury. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game, resurrecting a drive deep in Knights territory and going 4-for-5 for 46-yards. The loss snapped a 5 game winning streak by UCF on ESPN, and marked the first time since 2008 that the Knights dropped two games in a row.
Marshall
UCF has now won 7-straight games against the Thundering Herd, never losing to them since both teams entered Conference USA in 2005. In a game that was marred by rain, the Knights possessed the ball for over 40 minutes while the Thundering Herd held the ball for under 20. Jeff Godfrey rushed for 15 yards, and went 13-for-22 for 147 yards. Brynn Harvey rushed for 180-yards on 30 carries for one touchdown, and Joshua Reese caught 4 passes for 42-yards.UCF's defense continues to shine, allowing only 130-yards and no offensive scores. The Knights are the only team in the country that has not allowed a passing touchdown this season. UCF also earned its first safety since an October 2008 game against Tulsa.
The win marked George O'Leary's 100th career victory. Since joining C-USA, UCF is 4-3 in conference openers, opening the season with wins in 2005, 2007 and 2010, all years the Knights went on to play in the conference championship game.
SMU
In a game that was a rematch of the 2010 Conference USA Championship Game2010 Conference USA Football Championship Game
The 2010 Conference USA Football Championship Game presented by HotelPlanner.com was played on December 4, 2010 at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, FL. The game was played between the UCF Knights, winner of Conference USA's East Division, and the SMU Mustangs, the winner the West...
, the Mustangs dominated the Knights both offensively and defensively. SMU proved difficult to stop in the air, with UCF allowing 358 passing yards, and 440-yards of total offense.
The Knights dominated the time of possession, with over 37 minutes, but only scored 3 times. Jeff Godfrey went 23-for-32 for 231-yards for a touchdown, and rushed for 46-yards on 12 carries. Brynn Harvey rushed for 66-yards on 21 carries, and Joshua Reese caught 5 passes for 74-yards. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game for the Knights in the 4th quarter, leading the team on a quick scoring drive and going 9-for-12 for 118-yards and a touchdown.
UAB
UCF suffered another devastating loss against an 0–6 Blazers team in Birmingham. The Knights woes continued on both the offensive and defensive fronts, as UCF lost the battle for the time of possession for the first time this season, and allowed UAB 501 yards and 27 first downs. The Knights scored early but surrendered the lead before halftime. Back-up quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game for the Knights in the 4th quarter, leading the team on a 10–0 run. With 21 seconds left, UAB kicker Ty Long struck a 40-yard field goal giving the Blazers a 26–24 lead, and sealing their first win of the season.Godfrey went 13-for-22 for 133-yards and Blake Bortles went 6-for-10 for 102-yards. Brynn Harvery rushed for 74-yards on 17 carries for two touchdowns. Joshua Reese was the big playmaker of the night for UCF, with 4 receptions for 41-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 2 passes for 39-yards. Running back Ronnie Weaver also had one 53-yard reception. After the game, debate arose once again over the fate of the Knight's starting quarterback job.
Memphis
After losing four of their last five, the Knights proved victorious on homecoming. UCF is now 22–10 all time on Homecoming weekend and 23-8 (16-4) at home. This was the Knights third straight homecoming win, dating back to a 20092009 UCF Knights football team
The 2009 UCF Knights football team represented the University of Central Florida in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. Their head coach was George O'Leary, in his sixth season with the team. Coaching changes included new offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe...
rout of the then-ranked #12 Houston Cougars
2009 Houston Cougars football team
The 2009 Houston Cougars football team, also known as the Houston Cougars, Houston, or UH, represented the University of Houston in the college football 2009–2010 season. It was the 64th year of season play for Houston. The team was coached by second year head football coach, Kevin Sumlin...
.
Jeff Godfrey went 14-for-17 for 200-yards for one touchdown. Godfrey also rushed 97-yards on 10 carries for a touchdown. Brynn Harvey rushed for 78 yards on 17 carries and Ronnie Weaver ran for 41-yards on 10 carries, both for a touchdown. Joshua Reese had 4 receptions for 70-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 3 passes for 49-yards and rushed for 29-yards, getting his first career rushing touchdown.
UCF dominated the Tigers on both sides of the ball, firmly controlling the clock, gaining 505-yards on 40 minutes of possession, and only allowing Memphis 134-yards. UCF ranks second in the country behind Texas, averaging 34:51 in time of possession. Twice this season the Knights have held the ball for over 40 minutes, against Marshall (40:14) and Memphis (40:03). The Knights lead Conference USA in total defense, and the Knights ranks in the top-10 nationally in rushing, passing, passing efficiency, total and scoring defense.
Tulsa
UCF's defense continued to struggle, allowing Tulsa 251 rushing yards, after averaging only 84.5-yards allowed during the previous 8 games. The Golden Hurricane also scored the first offensive touchdown against the Knights at home since December 4, 2010, a full 334 days.Jeff Godfrey went 16-for-23 for 226-yards, his fifth career 200-yard game, for one touchdown. Godfrey also rushed 46-yards on 14 carries. Brynn Harvey rushed for 26 yards on 7 carries and Ronnie Weaver had 9 carries for 36-yards for a touchdown. The Knights had two big receivers for the night, J.J. Worton had 4 receptions for 87-yards, while Quincy McDuffie caught 4 passes for 81-yards. Rannell Hall returned five kicks for 148-yards, and Shawn Moffit was 1-for-2 on field goals, making a 29-yard kick in the fourth quarter.
With the loss, the fifth of the season for the Knights, UCF no longer controls its own destiny in conference play, matches it loss total from 2009, and must win 2 of their last 3 to become bowl eligible for the third straight year.
Southern Miss
East Carolina
UTEP
See also
- List of UCF Knights football seasons
- 2011 Conference USA football season2011 Conference USA football seasonThe 2011 Conference USA football season is an NCAA football season that is being played from September 1, 2011, through January 2012. Conference USA consists of 12 football members separated into two divisions: East Carolina, Marshall, Memphis, Southern Miss, UAB, and UCF make up the East...
- 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season2011 NCAA Division I FBS football seasonThe 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, play of college football in the United States organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association at the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level, began on Thursday, September 1, 2011...
- 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankingsThree human polls and one formula ranking make up the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings, in addition to various publications' preseason polls. Unlike most sports, college football's governing body, the NCAA, does not bestow a national championship title. That title is bestowed by one or...