UCF vs. UAB football preview

Probably the most important thing to come out of Central Florida’s 28-21 victory at Memphis last Saturday was that the Knights played opportunistic football.

The defense returned another fumble for a touchdown and forced two turnovers and the offense was efficient in the red zone by scoring on all three opportunities. That’s a bit surprising because the Knights had less than 200 yards of total offense as their quarterbacks threw for less than 125 yards.

It’s sure to make coach George O’Leary scratch his head and wonder where this has been all season. The Knights are in position to finish the season with a three-game winning streak and take something into the offseason – momentum.

UCF (4-7, 3-4) will honor its seniors Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium against UAB. The Blazers (2-5, 3-8) are running in last place in the East Division.

“The [seniors] have done a lot of great things for UCF and the fan base,’’ O’Leary said. “It was a tough season for them. They have kept the team practicing hard, and that is the kid of thing I would expect them to do.’’

The absence of quarterback Michael Greco last Saturday was noticeable. O’Leary declined to touch on specifics but said there were some injury issues that had been plaguing Greco throughout the season. But he also said Greco was making too many mistakes.

So the offense will belong to Rob Calabrese with some backup from Joe Weatherford. Calabrese only threw for 54 yards, but he did throw two touchdown passes. But the running game is also hampered because running back Brynn Harvey missed the second half with an injury. His return is questionable.

The defense, which has been the mainstay to the season, will be saying good-bye to many contributors. Among them is defensive back Joe Burnett who is 19 th in NCAA history in punt return yardage with 1,304. By the time the game is over, he could climb as high as 13 th. By far, he has been the most feared return man in Conference USA.

“Joe was always a guy who was going to make things happen,’’ O’Leary said. “He was taking chances as a true freshman where he would jump routes. You can’t teach that. Joe to me is the ultimate competitor.’’

The Knights will likely focus on Blazer quarterback Joe Webb. Webb has accounted for 3,064 yards of total offense. He has thrown for 2,123 and rushed for 941. He may be facing the best defense of the season because the Knights are sixth in nation in tackles for loss (8.1) and 29 th in sacks with 27.

Although the season looked on the brink of hopelessness, UCF has rallied nicely in the final month when nothing was at stake. That illustrates how the players trust in O’Leary in his staff.

Prediction: UCF 22, UAB 15

Notable:

• UCF senior left tackle Pat Brown will be making his 50 th and final consecutive start.

• The secondary of Burnett, senior defensive back Johnell Neal, strong safety Sha’reff Rashad and free safety Jason Venson has combined to make 179 starts and collect 50 interceptions.

• UCF is 20-9 on senior day.

UAB Blazers (3-8, 2-5) @ UCF Knights (4-7, 3-4)

Time: 1 p.m. EST
Site: Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: None
Series: 6th meeting. UCF leads, 5-0