2009 College Football Predictions: UCF Knights

Get free expert predictions on tonight's big games. You can also subscribe to our RSS feed or follow us on Twitter.

This is a continuation of our series on our exclusive 2009 college football predictions.  Follow all of our 2009 college football predictions here (team by team) or here (by conference).

UCF Knights

2008 Record: (4-8, 3-5)
Coach: George O’Leary, 6th year (26-36 at UCF, 78-69 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Charlie Taafe (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Dave Huxtable (2nd year)
Returning Starters: 18 (10 offense, 7 defense, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Rob Calabrese)

Offense: The UCF Knights return 10 offensive starters and they add coordinator Charlie Taaffe, a former CFL coach and coordinator. That’s the biggest addition to an offense that ranked just 113th in the nation (16.6ppg) in points score and 119th (last) in the nation in yards per game (119). Sophomore Rob Calabrese (6-2, 218) returns at quarterback and he’ll have more responsibility as the passing game will be upgraded and the spread will be implemented. He has a deep receiving corps featuring the top three pass catchers from last year-Brian Waters (594 yards), Kamar Aiken and Khynest Williams. They also return HB/TE Corey Rabazinski, who missed most of last season with a leg injury. The running game returns sophomore Brynn Harvey (6-1, 202), who led the team with 519 yards. The offensive line features four players who were first-year starters a year ago.

Defense: The defense returns seven starters from a unit that allowed 24.1ppg (54th in the nation) and 333.8 yards per game (43rd). Those are not bad numbers, but they had to play like USC to win because their offense couldn’t put points on the board. The front seven is strong, led by junior DE Bruce Miller (6-2, 258), who recorded seven sacks last year. They are also very strong at tackle, which is a major reason why the unit was first against the run in the conference last year (126.1ypg). The linebackers return two starters though they are moving one junior Derrick Hallman (6-0, 213) to free safety. Junior Lawrence Young (6-0, 205) though undersized, finished with 72 tackles last year. The secondary moves Hallman up from linebacker but that means they’ll still have four new starters. Potential starting CB Emery Allen also hurt his leg in the spring and might not be ready in the fall.

Outlook: UCF should be improved this season with 10 starters back and a new offense. The offense can’t be much worse than last year’s abysmal unit-even with the same players. They’ll open with Samford and then go right into conference play against a very tough Southern Miss team. They also host Buffalo, Miami (FL) and travel to Texas. Brutal schedule other than 1-AA Samford. They should be better than last year, but the record might not show it.

• 2009 College Football Predictions: Nevada Wolfpack
• 2009 College Football Predictions: UNLV Rebels
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Nebraska Cornhuskers
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Auburn Tigers
• 2009 College Football Predictions: Miami Ohio Redhawks