Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The UCF Knights made a name for themselves in 2007, as they captured their first Conference USA title and matched a school-record with 10 wins. It was quite an accomplishment for the program, as well as head coach George O'Leary, who endured an 0-11 campaign in his first season at UCF in 2004. Since his arrival, O'Leary has taken the Knights to two C-USA title games, winning the program's first conference championship with a 44-25 victory over Tulsa this past season.

The 2007 campaign was filled with high points for UCF, which fell just a field goal short of knocking off nationally-ranked Texas (35-32) in the first-ever game at the program's new Bright House Network Stadium. Little did anyone know that would be the only loss at the team's new arena, as UCF closed out the season by winning six straight home bouts, including the victory over Tulsa in the conference title game. Another highlight of the season was a school-record seven-game win streak, although that was brought to an end with a 10-3 setback to Mississippi State in the Liberty Bowl.

Still, the East Division champions of C-USA had a lot to be proud of in 2007 and under O'Leary, the Knights have become one of the most promising programs in the nation.

OFFENSE: The Knights pumped out 35.9 ppg and set school records for points (502) and touchdowns (62) in 2007 and they did all of this while ranking 105th nationally in passing. The reason for the success was a ground game led by star Kevin Smith, who left early for the NFL after leading the nation with 2,567 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns. Not only must UCF replace Smith this season, but three offensive linemen that helped the Knights average a whopping 235 ypg on the ground a year ago. In the backfield, the Knights don't have a clear No.1 back, so they will most likely go by committee, with four true freshmen and redshirt freshman Ronnie Weaver fighting for the chance to start. The offensive line will also have a new look, but this unit is a little more stable thanks to the return of senior Pat Brown. The 6-5, 294-pound Brown has started 38 games at left tackle and he is optimistic that the team can recover from the loss of Smith and three starting offensive linemen.

"Everybody asks how we're going to deal with losing Kevin Smith. You can't replace Kevin. Ever. He was a special player. But we have some good guys coming up behind him. And we have some good offensive linemen to replace the (three) who graduated. So I think we'll be just fine."

The offensive line will need to be good, as the Knights are also breaking in a new quarterback. Junior Michael Greco and redshirt freshman Joe Weatherford are the top candidates to assume the starting role. The 6-3, 220-pound Greco has the edge in the competition and he is the better athlete, not to mention he appeared in nine games as a backup last season. As for the 6-4, 200-pound Weatherford, he is a bit inexperienced and raw, but has the type of arm and presence to step right in if Greco were to falter.

Whomever is under center will surely benefit from a wide receiver group that welcomes back three of is most productive players from 2007. Leading the way is senior Rocky Ross. The 6-2, 195-pound Ross emerged as the team's top wide out last season, leading the way with 50 catches and 658 years, and he will be an even bigger part of the offense now that running game won't be counted on as much.

DEFENSE: UCF led the league with 39 sacks and ranked third in the nation with 24 interceptions in 2007, and with nine starters back in the fold, this unit should be among the best in C-USA.

Along the line, the Knights have one of the league's most promising pass rushers in sophomore Bruce Miller. The 6-2, 250-pound end earned Freshman All- American honors by racking up 38 stops and seven sacks and he figures to be even more dominating in his second season in the league.

The linebacker group is also deep and solid and six players with starting experience return, including senior Cory Hogue. The 6-1, 230-pound Hogue came on strong last season with 72 stops and he should contend for all-league honors in 2008. Junior Chance Henderson made 74 tackles last season and he is another one of the Knights' talented linebackers.

While the front eight are certainly solid, it is the secondary that is the strength of this defense, as all four senior starters are back from a year ago. Cornerbacks Joe Burnett and Johnell Neal tied for the conference lead with six picks apiece in 2007 and they are also solid tacklers, combining for 120 stops. Strong safety Sha'reff Rashad is another impressive player in the secondary and he paced the defense with 103 tackles in 2007. He will be accompanied by free safety Jason Venson, who ranked second on the club with a career-high 92 tackles last season.

SPECIAL TEAMS: The Knights lost Michael Torres, who hit 20-of-24 field goals last season, so they are in desperate need of a replacement. Sophomore Jordan Dodds sat out last season after transferring from South Carolina and he has a big leg and the inside track to the job. The punting game is a little more set, as sophomore Blake Clingan returns. In his rookie campaign, Clingan averaged 40.7 yards and showed good hang time on his punts.

OUTLOOK: The target is on the Knights this season and that always makes things harder. The loss of numerous offensive players will be tough to overcome, especially the departure of tailback Kevin Smith. UCF though, is loaded on the defensive side of the ball and that should keep it in just about every game. If the offense can generate some points and find a rhythm, the Knights will certainly contend for another title. However, if the offense can't move the ball, as many believe, the program could slip down to just a .500 campaign.