Short week to prepare for UAB is a challenge

Normally a short week is a cause for concern.

Players need time to heal and coaches would prefer all the time they can get to review film and adequately install a game plan for their upcoming opponent.

UCF's (3-3, 1-1) Thursday night game against UAB (0-6, 0-3), though, may be a blessing in disguise.

"I think it's good to get right back on the field and not lament on the game," head coach George O'Leary said.

The Knights are fresh off a disappointing effort against SMU, a lost chance to demonstrate what the team could do against one of Conference USA's other top programs.

Now, UCF will travel to Birmingham, Ala. in hopes of notching a victory and gaining some of the momentum back that they've lost.

"Just need to get back to focusing … knowing our assignments and playing faster," defensive lineman Troy Davis said.

UAB: Last time out

Despite a 17-point swing in the second quarter, the Blazers simply could not stop a potent Tulsa (3-3, 2-0) attack, losing to the Golden Hurricane 37-20 on Saturday.

UAB allowed Tulsa to pass for 341 yards and run for 218, totaling a video game-esque 559 offensive yards. Tulsa also converted on seven of its 15 third downs.

The Blazers' inability to stop the Golden Hurricane negated the four turnovers they caused.

Offensively, UAB amassed 379 yards predominately through the air. However, getting eight penalties and only converting three of their 15 third down attempts left the Blazers unable to go blow-for-blow with Tulsa in what could have been a shootout.

UCF: Last time out

The first two times the Knights lost this season, they were close games defined by miscues.

UCF's 38-17 loss to SMU was defined by some miscues as well, but this game was not close.

The Knights did, however, win the battle of statistics by outgaining the Mustangs (459 yards to 440) and dominating time possession (37:08 to 22:52). It did them no good, though, as they were never truly close in the battle on the scoreboard.

Once again, special teams proved to be an area of concern. This time it was punt-return coverage that left UCF coaches scratching their heads as the Knights allowed one to be taken back for a touchdown.

UCF's defense finally showed some vulnerability against SMU, specifically when it came to handling the Mustangs' pass attack. The fluid nature of the Mustangs' pass attack continually created mismatches the Knights struggled to correct.

When UAB has the ball

It wasn't until last week against Tulsa that UAB found the end zone through the air.

While UAB isn't particularly an intimidating offensive team, ranking near the bottom of the country in passing, rushing and points per game, the Knights' defense will have to be mindful of not giving up the big play.

The Blazers did have some success passing the ball last week, and it won't be much of a surprise if they take at least a few shots down the field, especially considering how weak their rushing attack has been this season.

Meanwhile, the Knights' defense will be hungry this week after an uncharacteristic performance against SMU that is still fresh in its mind. Specifically, UCF has looked to address a lack of pressure in getting to opposing quarterbacks, with O'Leary and his players saying that the problem has been given due attention.

"Pass rush is all about second effort," Davis said. "That's what's been our problem, and we're going to get back to [making the second effort pass rush]."

When UCF has the ball

The Knights have moved the ball effectively as of late but have struggled when it comes to converting drives into actual points.

"We're moving the ball, we're controlling possession, but the key is putting the ball in the end zone," O'Leary said.

Last week, quarterback Jeff Godfrey threw well on shorter routes but struggled to find receivers downfield. Backup quarterback Blake Bortles entered the game late and immediately connected on a deep ball and was effective the rest of the way.

While the starting job is still clearly Godfrey's, expect to see Bortles at least for a series or two.

"When we put [Bortles] out there in tough situations, he's responded very well so he deserves a shot, but it's still Jeff's football team," O'Leary said.

UCF will have an important opportunity to regain some of its offensive swagger when they face the Blazers' defense on Thursday. UAB is ranked No. 102 in the nation defensively, allowing a staggering 33 points per game.

Final word

O'Leary has been reminding his team that the Knights have been in this situation before and found success. Twice in recent years, UCF has started the season 3-3 and found its way to a bowl game. This time, O'Leary is challenging his team to win out the rest of the way, and facing a winless UAB team isn't a bad place to start trying to reach such a goal.

Still, with some of the bumps in the road the Knights have encountered already, the Knights aren't taking anybody lightly, regardless of their record.

"They're a lot better than what their records shows; they've got great athletes," Davis said. "They spread you out and get the ball in space … We've got a challenge before us."