UCF Knights quarterback Blake Bortles is developing into a difference-maker for his team during the 2012 season. After a freshman season during which he took a back seat to Jeff Godfrey, Bortles assumed the starting quarterback role as a sophomore this year, and he has been improving week to week.

"I think he knows now what he can do and the players around him know," offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe said. "Even though he's not a real vocal guy he is real respected by the whole team, but particularly the offense, because they know he'll put it on the line for them."

Bortles has completed 66.1 percent of his throws in 2012, with 17 touchdowns and seven interceptions; he has 2,199 yards passing. Under his leadership, the Knights are 8-2 overall and have won six games in a row. The team sits in first place in the East Division of Conference USA.