The UCF Knights (3-2, 1-0 AAC) look to keep their three-game winning streak alive this weekend as they host the Tulane Green Wave (2-4, 1-1). Tulane is coming off its second win in an impressive defensive showing against Connecticut.
In order to win, UCF needs to accomplish these three keys to the game:
1. Continue the Strong Play on Defense
Linebacker Terrance Plummer leads the UCF defense that has let up an average 21.4 points per game this season. Coming off of a game where he recorded his career-high 17 tackles and one forced fumble, Plummer was named the National Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Leading in both tackles (53) and tackles for loss (7.5) this season, he will have to keep this defense tuned up as it takes on the Green Wave.
The matchup to watch will be Plummer against Tulane running back Sherman Badie. Tulane has not had many positives on offense, other than Badie. Averaging 7.2 yards per carry, Badie is a threat to the stingy UCF defense. The Knights must be able to limit the run game and force Tulane to throw the ball.
2. Keep the Ball Secure on Offense
UCF quarterback Justin Holman has thrown four interceptions this season, and fumbling remains an issue for the offense. UCF can not continue to win games while turning the ball over so many times. There is nothing that kills offensive momentum more than a turnover, and this has shown in the past few weeks.
The Knights must work on ball security this week against Tulane, as you can only use your defense as a crutch for so long before disaster strikes. It does not help UCF that Tulane forced three turnovers last week against Connecticut. This creates a potentially deadly situation for the turnover-prone Knights.
Limiting turnovers is a must in order to secure victory on Saturday.
3. Improve Efficiency of Run Game
With the exception of the game against Bethune-Cookman, the running game for UCF has been nearly non-existent. Running back William Stanback has averaged a dismal 2.4 yards per carry in the past two weeks, and these poor rushing performances add unneeded pressure on the passing game.
For UCF, this is a passing game that does not need any more pressure. Stanback will need to have a solid game against Tulane in order to give some relief to Holman. UCF needs to move the chains by pounding the ball with Stanback, and a matchup against a Tulane defense that has given up 170.3 rushing yards per game seems to be a good omen for the Knights.
Going against a Tulane defense that has let up 29.5 points per game, I see the Knights scoring early and often. Look for Stanback to have a big game this week and help the UCF offense find its consistency. On the defensive side, I believe that the UCF defense will be able to stop Badie and company and force Tulane into passing situations.
Prediction: UCF 34, Tulane 10
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