Before Miami, Knights Need To Get Rid of Second-Half Syndrome

Last night at Bright House Networks Stadium, the Knights defeated the Memphis Tigers by more than double their score, prevailing 32-14. The smooth, calculated relationship between Brett Hodges and Brynn Harvey cemented the victory, as Harvey ran for a career-high 219 yards and one touchdown.

Additionally, the team gelled as one, playing in a relaxed unison and using the phrase “One more step” as their inspiration. In many ways, the game was a success, and the confidence among the team is now palpable.

However, I must play devil's advocate and make note that the Tigers led late in the third quarter, 14-9, before the Knights were able to get moving physically and mentally.

Simply put, they won't get that kind of reprieve two weeks from now, when the University of Miami comes to town. Quarterback Jacory Harris is having a heck of a season, a Heisman heck of a season, already netting 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Hurricanes' passing game is immaculate, and while their rushing game makes up less of their victory plan, Javarris James and Graig Cooper aren't doing so bad, either.

If UCF doesn't come out of the tunnel ready to score, and ready to heartily defend, they will be physically and psychologically beaten down by the Hurricanes by halftime. It will take an immense amount of focus during the half to come back from a Miami-sized catch-up.

Then, for the remaining two quarters, the Knights will have to post a fair amount of points on the board while simultaneously shutting down the orange and green.

As the Knights have a bye next week before their meeting with Miami, George O'Leary and his coaching staff will need to mentally prepare the players for the large crowd, immense amount of media pressure, and game-time pressure the Hurricanes team will lay on.

In addition, they would be wise to directly address the remaining weaknesses in the first half of play. While doing this, and keeping the fantastic “One more step” attitude that the team is now carrying, UCF can rise above the chinks in their armor and make way for UM.

View Jessica's article at Examiner.com Orlando