SMU @ UCF

Scouting Report for SMU Mustangs(4-4) vs. Central Florida Knights(6-2)
November 3, 2012- Bright House Networks Stadium, Orlando, FL

SMU: After defeating the Memphis Tigers 44-13, the Mustangs have won 3 out of 4 games in Conference USA. The Ponies also have their first consecutive winning streak and are hoping to extend it on the road.

Garrett Gilbert (25-35, 353 YDS and 1 TD) has continued his success with the run and shoot offense. While he did turn the ball over again, at least this time it was not an interception. Gilbert also had 2 touchdowns on the ground. Zach Line had another 100 yard game (127 YDS & 1 TD on 23 carries). Darrius Johnson (9 catches 141 YDS) had a 70 yard reception that led to a touchdown (Gilbert from 2 yards out in the 3rd). Der'rick Thompson(52 yards receiving and 1 TD) had two big catches in the game.

SMU's defense apparantly had no hangover from their previous game against Houston. Despite allowing one touchdown, the defense forced 3 fumbles and recovered two of them and limited the Tigers offense to 2 field goals after that.

Central Florida: The Knights traveled to a hostile Marshall crowd and silenced them with 54-17 victory. Currently, UCF has won their last 4 games. Also, they've their last 3 out of 4 at home.

Marshall led the game only once. After the Thundering Herd connected on a field goal in the first quarter, Quincy McDuffie answered on the ensuing kick-off with a 97 YD return for a touchdown. The Knights scored another 20 points before Marshall scored again. Blake Bortles (15-21, 277 YDS) overcame two 1st half interceptions by throwing 2 touchdowns. One of those passes went to Latavious Murray (156 YDS on 16 carries)who had 3 additional touchdowns on the ground. McDuffie had another kickoff return (98 YDS)for a touchdown to open the second half

The defense couldn't force the Herd in to a turnover. Rakeem Cato (298 YDS)of Marshall outgained the Knight passing offense by 8 yards, their ground game couldn't get going (66 total yards). UCF was able to sack Cato 4 times.

What to watch for: While both offenses have been clicking as of late, it will be up to the defenses to make a statement. SMU has forced 11 turnovers in the last two games. If the Mustangs can capitalize on turnovers like they have been, then they will be 3-0 against future Big East schools.

Conclusion: This game is not about who has the better record. This isn't about who's got the longest winning streak. What this game will be about is which team will still have their momentum when the dust settles. Both sides of the football for UCF and SMU have been doing well. Which means that there is a very good possibility that the game could come down to field goals. With Margus Hunt on the field, that could be dangerous for the Knights (2 blocked PAT's last week). If McDuffie is able to play (left game in the 3rd quarter), the Knights may not have to worry about that.

Prediction: UCF by 6.

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