PROVO — Central Florida quarterback Jeffrey Godfrey helped lead his team to the C-USA championship last year and he guided the Knights to a pair of victories to start the 2011 campaign.
But in last week's loss to Florida International, Godfrey was sacked six times and as a result of one of those sacks, he fumbled a ball that was returned by FIU for a touchdown late in the game.
Despite that rough outing, BYU knows that Godfrey is a dangerous playmaker.
"He's a really explosive quarterback," said coach Bronco Mendenhall, adding that UCF's offense "is capable of scoring a lot of points. (Godfrey is) a quarterback that can create."
"The quarterback's dynamic. He can run and he can pass. He makes smart decisions," said Cougar linebacker Brandon Ogletree. "He's definitely the engine of the offense. We've got to be really mindful of him. They have three solid running backs and strong guys. A good O-line. They're a good team and we're going to have our hands full with them."
One of Godfrey's strengths is running zone-read plays. The Cougar defense struggled against the zone-read in a loss at Texas two weeks ago.
"It's different with a running quarterback because you really have to contain him inside the pocket and not let him escape," Ogletree said. "Everyone needs to maintain their pass rush lanes. In the secondary, and the linebackers, have to plaster on to their guys while he's scrambling around so he can't hurt us throwing the ball downfield. The other thing is, we just have to tackle. (Godfrey) is pretty slippery and elusive. We have to wrap him up and get him on the ground."
Through three games this season, BYU's defense has not recorded a sack.
STRUGGLING O-LINE: The Cougars' veteran offensive line figured to be a strength this season, but to this point, it has underperformed.
"Their ability to block the run game effectively," Mendenhall said, "is behind schedule."
BYU's O-line has dealt with injury issues, including tackle Ryker Mathews undergoing season-ending foot surgery. Guard Houston Reynolds is nursing a sore foot and is doubtful for Friday's game. Guard Braden Hansen is hampered by an ailing ankle. Hansen underwent ankle surgeries during the offseason and is not fully recovered, Mendenhall said.
UCF IN THE NFL: Though Central Florida became an FBS team just 15 years ago, the Knights have produced an impressive number of NFL players.
Among those UCF products include two-time Pro Bowl Miami Dolphins wide receiver Brandon Marshall, three-time Pro Bowl quarterback Daunte Culpepper and two-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Assante Samuel of the Philadelphia Eagles. UCF has 11 current NFL players.
email: jeffc@desnews.com