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	Sunday, September 3 Kruczek has UCF believing it can win
	By Scott Brown Special to ESPN.com UCF Golden Knights 1999 record: 4-7 Coach: Mike Kruczek Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense) Outlook With a much-friendlier schedule this year, Kruczek believes the Golden Knights could take an 8-0 record to Tuscaloosa when they visit Alabama on Oct. 28. To achieve that UCF would need to knock off Georgia Tech in its season-opener. "What I've done this off-season is try to convince this football program that we have the ability to play week in and week out against great teams," Kruczek said. "And they do, but they have to believe it." Quarterback Vic Penn (6-1,180) triggers the pass-happy offense, and what the senior lacks in size he makes up for in toughness and accuracy. The line, anchored by All-American candidate Chris Lorenti (6-5, 320) at center, is much more experienced this year and should be better. Depth is a concern there. Kruczek is counting on an improved running game to take some pressure off Penn. Leading rusher Edward Mack returns at tailback but he gained just 461 yards last season. The receiving corps led by Kenny Clark and Tyson Hinshaw is solid. Freshman speedsters Tavaris Capers and Luther Huggins could make an immediate impact. Defensively, the Golden Knights are undersized but speedy. Tackles Josh McKibben and Jeff Mauldin anchor the line and returning starter Tony Hardman leads the linebacking corps. Marquee recruit John Andrews was expected to help at inside linebacker right away, but he didn't meet NCAA academic eligibility requirements and has enrolled at a junior college in Mississippi. Strong safety Damian Demps, UCF's leading tackler (72) in '99, is the top returner in the secondary. Keep an eye on ... WR Kenny Clark. This senior, who has had bouts with inconsistency, spent part of his summer working out with former UCF star and Minnesota Viking starting QB Daunte Culpepper, who is his cousin, and a couple of pretty fair wideouts named Cris Carter and Randy Moss. It's a good year if ... UCF wins eight or nine games and goes bowling. Playing in a bowl game would be a big boost for a program that is trying to raise its profile in hopes of eventually joining a major conference such as the Big East, ACC or Conference USA. Scott Brown covers UCF for Florida Today		AROUND THE INDEPENDENTS UCF Connecticut La.-Lafayette La.-Monroe Louisiana Tech Middle Tenn. St. Navy Notre Dame ALSO SEE Irish no longer the king of the independents