Knights Gameday: Previewing Tulane-UCF

The Hard Facts

UCF (3-2) vs. Tulane (2-4)

Game Time: 12:00

Weather: 78 degrees, zero percent chance of rain

Line: UCF (-20)

TV: ESPNU

Broadcast Team: Adam Amin and John Congemi

Radio: 740 the Game or the UCF IMG TuneIn Channel

Behind Enemy Lines

This week we enlisted the help of Ryne Hancock who covers Tulane for Underdog Dynasty.

With a new on-campus stadium & last year's winning campaign, is there noticeable buzz around the Tulane program?

Hancock: There is a noticeable buzz around the program in New Orleans. As you know it's been 40 years since Tulane played s football game on campus. With the new stadium (and I'm sure you know about this because of UCF's new stadium) it has renewed student support for the program.

Quarterback Tanner Lee missed the UConn game and last year's starter Nick Montana (son of Joe) took the reigns. Where does the QB situation stand this week?

Hancock: Right now the quarterback situation is still murky. While I would love to see Lee behind center its very likely we're going to see Montana behind center in Orlando.

What does Tulane need to do to pull off the road upset?

Hancock: Mistake free football. Anytime you want to pull off an upset you have to pay attention to detail. That means doing the little things. The more little things you do right the better your chances of winning become.

Key to a Knights Victory

It is hard to see a way UCF does not win this game, but they need to get back to the ground game.  If William Stanback and more importantly the offensive line can get on track, it can provide confidence for the conference slate ahead.

Stat to Watch

Time of possession is a critical battle for UCF to win.  They do not want to get in a situation where the Green Wave play keep away on offense with a capable back tandem of Sherman Badie and Lazedrick Thompson.  That could make things much closer than the spread would indicate.

Prediction

While he is a Montana, likely starter Nick is still the backup. Tulane is making progress under Curtis Johnson, but they are not yet ready to ascend to the upper echelon of the American.

UCF 34  Tulane 7