Can Central Florida Tame Georgia?

On December 31st, 2010, the UCF Knights will face possibly their toughest opponent of the season in an underachieving Georgia Bulldogs team.

UCF this season has found fire with true freshman quarterback Jeffrey Godfrey, which, paired with a great defense, has lifted the Knights to a Conference USA title. UCF's defense will have their hands full in this game with the Georgia offense.

The Knights should matchup well with the Bulldogs' running attack, but will need to be on top of their game to stop receiver A.J. Green. Green, who has only played two-thirds of the season, has amassed 49 catches for 771 yards and 9 touchdowns. Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is also a threat, throwing for 24 touchdown passes compared to just 6 interceptions.

UCF's running game has also been very solid under a stout offensive line. The Knights have three players who have rushed for over 500 yards, those being Ronnie Weaver (890), Jeffrey Godfrey (546), and Latavius Murray (533). Along with those statistics, UCF has compiled 34 rushing touchdowns this season.

Georgia's rushing attack features Washaun Ealey, who has 751 yards and 11 touchdowns. Statistically, the Bulldogs have a balanced attack, but there is no doubt that their greatest weapon is A.J. Green.

Keys to Victory

For UCF to win this game, they will need to minimize their mistakes. Georgia is used to playing stronger, faster teams in the SEC, so they have the ability to take over a game if their opponents make poor decisions.

On top of limiting mistakes, UCF also needs to control the clock. They have done this all season, but again, against Conference USA opponents and not teams from the SEC. UCF's success will rely on a run game.

UCF also needs to keep Jeffrey Godfrey comfortable. Emotions will be running high for Godfrey, who will start in his first bowl game of his college career. If UCF is behind and has to rely on Godfrey's arm, they will be in unchartered territory.

Godfrey is most effective when he is on the move, either off of pass/run options or play action passes. Those types of plays work best when the running game is effective.

Georgia, on the other hand, will have to be consistent. Throughout this season, Georgia has either looked terrific, or just plain terrible. If Georgia exploits UCF's youth and inexperience in big games, they will come away with an easy win.

For Georgia to be successful, they will need to dial up the big-play to A.J. Green early and often. Green gives the Bulldogs their best ability to strike quickly. If UCF has to play from behind, Georgia will most likely win.

The Bulldogs also need to contain Jeffrey Godfrey. Godfrey has seen success this season, so if they can get in his head by putting pressure on him or being physical, they could rattle the young freshman.

If Godfrey is contained, UCF will be forced to rely on their run game, which will make defensive playcalling very easy. Making UCF one dimensional is the way to stop their potent offense.

Key Matchups

Bruce Miller vs. Georgia's Offensive Line

Bruce Miller is UCF's best defender. If Georgia's offensive line allows Miller to bust loose, it will hinder their strong passing attack. The key to a down-field passing attack is time in the pocket, and if Bruce Miller is on his game, that part of Georgia's offense will be inefficient.

Jeffrey Godfrey vs. Georgia's Defense

Jeffrey Godfrey has without a doubt secured the starting quarterback spot for the remainder of his time at UCF. He will have a huge role in UCF's success against Georgia. Godfrey needs to be smart with how he plays against a fast Georgia defense. If he isn't smart, Georgia will give him fits all game long.

A.J. Green vs. UCF's Secondary

If A.J. Green is shut down, UCF will be on its way to a Liberty Bowl victory, which would be the first bowl-game win in the team's short history. Shutting Green down is easier said than done. Green has three 100-yard games, and three multi-touchdown games this season.

This game will appear on ESPN at 3:30 PM EST on December 31st.