At the start of the season Saturday’s game looked like a late season match-up that would play a pivotal role in SMU’s bowl hopes. Instead, the Mustangs’ final home game of 2007 will likely be remembered for being the final one at Ford Stadium for head coach Phil Bennett. But don’t think the coach is going to be misty eyed.

“I don’t have the time to be sentimental,” he said. “These guys [UCF] are really good. We’ve looked at them. Do we want to win? Yes.”

But like previous weeks, injuries are making Bennett’s job difficult. SMU is getting more banged up instead of healthier, adding injuries to the insult of a season gone wrong.

Bennett confirmed defensive lineman Charlie Berry is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Running back James Mapps is still questionable at this point with a knee injury. Wide receiver Aldrick Robinson was running to his residence hall Monday night and sprained his ankle. Bennett said Robinson’s ankle is as big as a basketball and he would not play Saturday against UCF.

“It’s just one thing after another,” Bennett said.

Linebacker Damon Hurst (lower leg injury) and safeties Bryce Hudman (shoulder) and De’Von Bailey (lower leg) are unlikely to play. Bennett said players who didn’t suit up last week would probably not play against UCF.

Defensive tackle Serge Elizee remains suspended from the team, with Bennett saying there is a chance he could be reinstated by Saturday.

“We’re still a little bit under a mystery of who we are going to get back,” Bennett said.

As for the Knights, the Mustangs will need to stop running back Kevin Smith. The junior has broken multiple school records this season, most notably becoming all-time leading rusher in school history. Bennett said Smith is a slasher, cutback runner who can do it all for the Knights’ offense.

UCF is currently on a four-game winning streak and in first place in the conference’s eastern division.