CUSA-fans.com Bowl Reviews - Sheridan Hawaii Bowl

Nevada 49 - UCF 48

UCF's offense showed that it could score at will on their opponent's defense. The problem was UCF's defense showed that they could not stop Nevada's offense. But, as Knight fans will tell you, it all came down to their kicker missing the crucial extra point in OT that handed the victory to Nevada.

Two thoughts came from this game:
#1 - Nevada is a pretty darn good football team. Had the WAC remained intact from conference hopping, they would have definitely had the toughest non-BCS conference in 2005. UTEP, Tulsa, Nevada, LaTech, Fresno St, and Boise St. all in one conference would have been solid.

#2 - UCF, like most C-USA teams in 2005, could not finish the game and put away their opponent. UCF let the Wolfpack back in the game when Nevada scored 21 points in the 2nd quarter. Nevermind the coach going for two point conversions at will, bad calls, and the kicker missing the extra point. This game came down to the Golden Knight defense giving up
what seemed like a gazillion yards on the ground. Actually, the Wolfpack gained 369 yards and 3 TDs on 51 carries; over 7 yards per carry.

The Good News for UCF: All of this extra practice time thanks to the bowl game and the national exposure that came with it should have been a great learning experience. The Golden Knights will again be a contender in C-USA 2006.

NEWSFLASH: Brandon Marshall is a STUD. 11 catches for 209 yards and three TDs. This kid is the real deal.

By Danny Johnson, CUSA-fans Staff Writer