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2008 conference record: 3-5

Returning starters

Offense: 10, defense: 6, punter/kicker 1

Top returners

DE Bruce Miller, DT Torrell Troup, LB Lawrence Young, RB Brynn Harvey, WR Brian Watters, DE Jarvis Geathers

Key losses

LT Patrick Brown, S Sha'reff Rashad, CB Joe Burnett, S Jason Venson, CB Johnell Neal

2008 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Brynn Harvey* (519 yards)
Passing: Rob Calabrese* (664 yards)
Receiving: Brian Watters* (594 yards)
Tackles: Jason Venson (82)
Sacks: Bruce Miller* (7.0)
Interceptions: Sha'reff Rashad (5)

Spring answers

1. Offensive turnaround: There's nowhere to go but up for an offense that was the worst in the country last year. New offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe brought some excitement back to the UCF program with a strong offensive showing during the spring game, which has given players, coaches and fans hope that the offense can improve even with 10 players returning from last year.

2. Defensive front anchors the team: Six of the top seven players along the defensive front return to a defense that lead C-USA in rushing defense (126.1 yards per game) and finished second in the conference in total defense (333.8) and scoring defense (24.1 points per game). The unit should be helped by the return of linebackers Cory Hogue and Jordan Richards from injury.

3. Receiver corps now full strength: One of the greatest assets for the offense this year will be the return of A.J. Guyton and Rocky Ross from injury. Guyton was one of the top receivers in 2007, but missed 2008 with a knee injury. Ross suffered a broken clavicle against UTEP four games into the season and the receiving corps never really responded without him.

Fall questions

1. Coaching carousel: The UCF offense underwent a major coaching overhaul this offseason, including the introduction of Taaffe. Four of the five offensive position groups have new coaches, which will make for an interesting learning curve this fall especially for a struggling offense.

2. Quarterback questions: The Knights played three quarterbacks last year and none were especially productive. Rob Calabrese won the job out of camp, but he'll have a lot of competition in the fall from Wake Forest transfer Brett Hodges and incoming freshman Nico Flores.

3. Secondary a weakness: The UCF secondary was the strength of the team a year ago, but with all four starters gone, there's a lot of work to be done heading into the season opener against Samford.