Spring Break
When 7:30 rolls around Thursday night, more than 80,250 seats at Williams-Brice Stadium will be filled for a nationally televised ESPN contest. But how many people know that in that very same spot in 1934, the same building held just 17,600 people?
The first weekend of major college football has traditionally lacked the excitement that the rest of the season provides. Many top-ranked teams scheduled lower-tier Division I, or I-AA, opponents as a way to fine-tune their skills before beginning conference play.
Forgive Blake Mitchell if he lines up under left guard Thursday night or misses his timing on an out-route here or there. The sophomore will be making his first start as a collegiate quarterback, under a legendary, pass-happy coach, no less.
Jake Broom talks about UCF's coach, the talent gap, and eating in the press box.
George O'Leary is probably hoping the 2005 football season treats him better than his initial campaign at the helm of the Golden Knights football program. The second-year UCF head coach is looking to wash out the bitter aftertaste of an 0-11 season with a major upset - in front of a national audience, no less - against USC.
The man is well connected. On his desk are a cell phone and landline phone. The computer is up and running, and over on the wall is a set of walkie-talkies. In the depths of Williams-Brice Stadium, Chris Matlock sits in his office, finishing up a phone conversation.
Flamboyant. Outspoken. Cocky. Troublemaker.
