UCF QB Blake Bortles has to keep cool under Missouri pass rush

When the UCF Knights take on the Missouri Tigers this weekend, Knights quarterback Blake Bortles will be faced with a formidable SEC pass rush and defensive attack from the Tigers — one he knows is coming.

"I just need to stay calm," Bortles told the Orlando Sentinel. "Our offensive line played great against Ohio State. I panicked at times and lost poise and didn't perform the way I needed to."

Bortles is right to worry about the TIgers' defense, which has compiled 10 sacks and forced nine fumbles on the year. The Knights offensive front has only given up four sacks on the year, but against a defense that features a secondary that will challenge the Knights' receivers all game, UCF is preparing for a trench war.

UCF sophomore receiver J.J. Worton told the Sentinel that he was happy with the way Bortles had handled pressure early in the season, allowing Worton and the receivers to complete their routes.

UCF takes on Missouri at noon Saturday at Bright House Networks Stadium.