GAME NOTES: The ninth-ranked Miami-Florida Hurricanes are clearly favored in Saturday's non-conference clash with state rival UCF. Miami and UCF met for the first time last season, and the 'Canes squeaked out a 20-14 victory.

UCF is 3-2 overall thus far, including a 1-2 mark against Conference USA opponents. The Knights have had two weeks to prepare for this game, one of the few reasons for optimism in what appears to be a mismatch. Last time out, the club simply manhandled Memphis in a 32-14 triumph. The other two victories posted this season by UCF have come against Samford and Buffalo, two teams far less talented than Miami.

Speaking of the Hurricanes, they moved to 4-1 with a 48-16 romp over Florida A&M last Saturday. That contest was the first against a team not ranked in the Top-25 so far, as the club has already beaten some tremendous opponents, including Oklahoma and Georgia Tech. The lone loss occurred against a tremendous Virginia Tech team on the road, but the 'Canes are 3-0 at home.

"A good win for us tonight, getting on track with what we have to get done," said Miami head coach Randy Shannon after the Florida A&M game. "I think we came out focused this time with what we had to do."

UCF is a mediocre offensive team by most standards, as the squad is generating 23.2 ppg and 319.6 total ypg. Considering the fact that the ground attack accounts for only 3.5 yards per attempt, there is plenty of room for improvement in that aspect of the game. Brynn Harvey is a solid back who has rushed for 536 yards on 128 carries with six touchdowns, proving more than capable of handling a heavy workload.

The team's quarterback is Brett Hodges, and he has completed 61.6 percent of his passes for 908 yards and six touchdowns against six interceptions. It is unlikely that Miami will find the need to put double coverage on any of the UCF receivers, as there isn't a standout among the group.

In the win over Memphis two weeks ago, the Knights had little trouble moving the ball, as they racked up 475 total yards. Hodges threw a pair of second- half touchdown passes, and Harvey capped the scoring with a 25-yard touchdown scamper. He finished with a staggering 42 carries for 219 yards.

"I think he probably played a little too much, but I feel he has to be able to do that for us," said UCF head coach George O'Leary. "Being able to carry the ball 40 times is something we do not see coming, but we expect him to be able to do that."

Defensively, UCF is allowing 20.0 ppg and 340.4 total ypg. The Knights have been strong against the run, holding foes to 94.4 rushing ypg at a clip of just 2.8 ypc. The play against the pass hasn't been nearly as solid, however, as opponents have been able to throw for 246.0 ypg with eight touchdowns against four interceptions. Bruce Miller and Jarvis Geathers are tied for the team lead with 4.5 sacks apiece, and it is imperative that both players supply pressure on the Miami quarterback just to keep this game close.

Against Memphis, UCF only surrendered 67 rushing yards on 26 attempts and came up with a pair of interceptions to offset some big passing plays allowed. The defense did a great job of getting off the field, as the Tigers held possession of the ball for just over 21 minutes.

"I give our defense a lot of credit for being able to shut down their no huddle offense, and maintaining the flow of the game," said O'Leary.

Miami is scoring 29.4 ppg this season while gaining 390.2 total ypg. When discussing the offense, the first player that needs to be mentioned is Jacory Harris, the much-improved starting quarterback. Harris has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,225 yards and 10 touchdowns with seven interceptions. Sure, the seven picks in five games are a bit concerning, but Harris has played well overall.

Javarris James is a strong running back for Miami who has rushed for 297 yards and three touchdowns while averaging 5.4 ypc. There isn't a star receiver on the roster, so Harris has had to spread the ball around.

Opponents are scoring 23.6 ppg against Miami, which is yielding 321.0 total ypg. The 'Canes are only allowing 3.7 ypc, so the play in that area has been solid. Against the pass, however, club is giving up 13.8 yards per completion, so improvement needs to be seen there. Colin McCarthy leads Miami with 38 total tackles, including four TFLs. Allen Bailey and Marcus Robinson have posted three sacks apiece.

In the romp over Florida A&M, Miami rolled up 470 total yards. The 'Canes achieved outstanding offensive balance, rushing for 215 yards and throwing for 255 more. Harris was intercepted twice, but he did have a pair of touchdown passes. As for the running game, Damien Berry had 162 yards and a score to lead the way. Defensively, the 'Canes held the Rattlers to 262 yards and just one touchdown.

"I just want to thank the coaches and the o-line for blocking for me and the coaches for believing in me and helping me do what I have to do when I am on the field," said Berry after his big performance.

Despite being on the road, Miami will win this game by double figures. The 'Canes are officially for real, as coach Shannon has done a tremendous job of rebuilding the program.