UCF looks to start C-USA play with a win @ UTEP

There is no need to hide from it. There are problems with Central Florida’s offense. The passing game is struggling. The running game is struggling.

The Knights are trying to find the right combinations and packages that will shake them out of the doldrums. As UCF (1-2) begins Conference USA play Saturday at UTEP (0-3), the Knights are the league’s worst offense averaging only 265 yards per game.

And both aspects are not going well. The running game is averaging just 142 yards. The Passing game is worse at 123 yards.

Frustratingly, last week at Boston College, the Kights blew three other opportunities to score in the first half when they had the ball in Eagle territory.

While coach George O’Leary has every reason to be concerned, he is sticking with Michael Greco at quarterback despite throwing three interceptions last Saturday. But O’Leary did play backup quarterback Rob Calabrese who also threw an interception.

“It is Greco’s job,’’ O’Leary said. “There is no competition every week, because it is his job. I think you need to have a second or third guy who can go into the game and get things done.’’

Go inside the record. Statistically, they were lucky to be in the overtime loss to South Florida because they were outgained, 504-226. Plus, the longest offensive play from scrimmage is a Greco 44-yard run. The longest run by a running back is 12 yards.

But all that can go away in conference play. UCF has a chance to repeat as CUSA champions and that’s all the motivation it needs.

Yet the players also know they need to play better. Whether that means they make a commitment to Ronnie Weaver in the running game or allow Greco to open up the passing game, it really doesn’t matter. The Knights know they have to probably take some risk.

“Conference play dictates where we end up,’’ O’Leary said. “I think that is what the kids understand. Being defending conference champions, you aren’t sneaking up on anybody. I would much rather be in that position than where we started. We didn’t miss a homecoming when we got here.’’

This is only the second meeting between the Knights and the Miners. UCF won the first meeting last year in Orlando, 36-20.

UTEP has struggled this year as it has lost to Buffalo, Texas and New Mexico State. But the Miners are also reeling with quarterback Trevor Vittatoe who is out with an ankle injury.

That means James Thomas II is expected to get the start. Thomas was credible as he relieved Vittatoe in last week’s 34-33 loss to New Mexico State. But now that he has a week to work with the offense, it will be interesting to see how coach Mike Price uses him.

It also means the Knight defense is going to have to make another strong stand. Currently, the league’s second-best defense, the Knights will likely pressure Thomas and force him to make some plays. They are third in the conference with six sacks. Linebacker Chance Henderson is going to have to lead the way.

Prediction: UTEP 25, UCF 16

Central Florida @ UT-El Paso

8 p.m. EDT Sun Bowl, El Paso, Texas

CBS CSTV

Notable for UCF

1. The Knights are 8-4 all-time on the road in CUSA and have won three consecutive games.
2. UCF’s roster already carries five players who have received their undergraduate degrees, DBs Sha’reff Rashad, Johnell Neal, FS Jason Venson, C Mike Lavoie and PK Daren Daly. However, Daly earned his degree at the University of Miam (Fla.) before enrolling in graduate school at UCF.