theknightheadblog
The Knighthead Blog
A blog covering UCF athletics
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UCF vs. Florida (Gasparilla Bowl): “Day-after” Musings & Thoughts
In what is definitely one of the biggest wins in program history, our Knights convincingly beat the Florida Gators at the Gasparilla Bowl with a score of 29-17.
Read that again. And again. And again. Read it out loud too.
Do not let anybody downplay this for you. Do not let anyone say that the Gators were missing players or whatever, UCF was missing players too. It does not matter that the Gators were going through a coaching change, Dan Mullen and his staff were not going to win that game either. Do not let anybody tell you that it was a meaningless bowl and that the Gators were not motivated. You saw them trying to win, you saw the (unfortunate) scuffle at the end of the game. The cared. They knew that a losing season and bragging rights were on the line last Knight.
Gus called arguably his best game as a UCF coach last night. He took risks (some unnecessary ones at times IMO), he relied heavily on a healthy Bowser and the run was finally able to set up the pass properly. T-Will and the defense had a mix of aggressiveness and “bend-don’t-brake” that proved extremely effective. Bowser had a monster game with 155 yds and 2 TDs. The most iconic moment of the night came when Ryan O’Keefe caught a pass down the sidelines, cut inside and, as he found himself with nothing but green around on the way to the end zone, he gave Knight Nation a deuce as a tribute to Otis Anderson.
Can you imagine what it is like to be a usf fan today? UCF beat the cows this year, then they traveled to the cow’s rented stadium, put a KNIGHTS logo on their rented end zone and beat the Florida Gators. Perfect icing on the cake.
This game was as big as we expected. Not just on the field, but off. Huge atmosphere, amazing tailgate, we had former players in the stands with us, the lights changed colors depending on which team scored. It was one of those “you had to be there” games. It was a fitting culmination of what has been, in my opinion, one of UCF’s most memorable seasons:
Beat Boise State? Check
Beat usf? Check
Take over the series lead on usf? Check
Beat the Gators in a bowl game? Check
Hand the Gators a losing season? Check
Bragging rights over both the Gators and the cows in the same season? Check
I do not have anything else to say, to be honest. The future is bright. UCF is on the rise and the state of Florida was just put on check. Now excuse me while I go to Busch Gardens wearing my “UCF Gasparilla Bowl Champions” that matches my perma-grin. And remember that One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Happy Holidays!!!
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UCF vs Oklahoma: “The View From My Seat”
UCF suffered a heart breaking 65-62 loss against Oklahoma yesterday. Here’s what I saw.
The game was a hard fought battle from tip-off to the final whistle. With :20 seconds left and down by three points, UCF inbounded the ball but failed to generate a 3-point shot and as they went for a 2-point shot, which they missed, time expired. The game was a defensive battle. The difference, in my opinion, is that the Sooners were able to go on 8-10 point unanswered runs on multiple occasions and the Knights would run out of juice by the time they caught up with a run of their own. Kudos to Oklahoma, they were able to outmatch the physicality of the Knights and get second shot opportunities when it mattered, which made the difference down the stretch.
Johnny Dawkins’ squad is filled with talent, but there is still something missing. These guys are huge and fast and physical, but the sense of ball awareness, the sense of where you are on the court, I feel it escapes them sometimes. Still, this team is so fun to watch. Very athletic, playing hard defense on both ends of the court, definitely a different style of UCF basketball than what we have seen in recent years. Darrin Green and Darius Perry lead all scores for the Knights with 17 and 16 points respectively. Perry also had 8 assists and Diong brought down 8 rebounds.
Game day experience once again was a bit bleak. Definitely more people in the stands than against Jacksonville, but student section was half empty and the crowd was quiet. The War On I4 trophy was on display, but there were still no vendor tables inside the arena. Like I said previously, whereas a UCF football game is a very inclusive fan experience with music, merchandise, etc (despite what the team’s record may be), the UCF basketball experience pales in comparison. I hope that improves before we join our future conference.
Next up for the Knights is a road battle against #19 Auburn. The game will be televised on ESPN+. Should be a fun and pretty even matchup. Both teams play a somewhat similar style of physical ball and the Knights need to score wins against these type of opponents to help their bubble chances. So root hard for the Knights, whether you’re traveling to the game or watching on TV. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Auburn!!!
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UCF vs. usf: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
Horns down.
Our Knights beat the bulls for the fifth straight year to take over the all time series lead in what was the last War On I4 game played in Orlando for the foreseeable future.
And, yes, the game was ugly. And, yes, a lot of things went wrong and need to be fixed before the bowl game and during the off-season. I know Mikey needs some work. I know the pass blocking was not doing Mikey any favors. I know special teams needs a lot of work. I know the defense needs to figure out how to defend crossing routes. I know that play calling that puts us constantly in 3rd and long is not going to do anything for a young offense. I know we need to capitalize on momentum and come out with a score after amazing plays that put us in great field positions.
But to paraphrase the game notes that come out every week: “A UCF win IS better than a loss”.
And what a way to end the season and to take over the series lead. I am sure a 31-0 beatdown would have been satisfactory, but winning a game like this against your rival, a game where they had (or were given by the refs, depending how much attention you were paying) every chance to win and they still could not, feels a bit more “insulting” and just more of a burn. This game was a microcosm of the state of both programs. At (arguably) our worst, we (UCF) are still better than you (usf). And no matter how much you (usf) do, you are just not going to be where we are (UCF). If you would have told me before the season started that we were going to lose starters at almost every position for long periods of time and we were still going to win 8 games, I would have laughed. What this team was able to accomplish, facing perhaps the worst odds the program has ever faced, was nothing short of memorable. We are on a completely different level than our directionally challenged rivals* and I could not be any happier about it.
UCF has won the last 5 games against the bools. That is, two consecutive recruiting classes who have never lost to usf. Also, this was the fourth season in the last five years where the Knights have gone undefeated at home. UCF now takes the lead in the all time series 7-6 with just one game left next season. The bools have their out of conference schedule pretty much booked for the next 8 years, so with UCF’s move to the Big12, usf will be left to play “The Battle For South Florida”* with incoming AAC member FAU until a space opens up to renew the series, if it’s even possible. I am saying it now: next season’s game is even more important than the one we just won. We want to hold that overall series lead, not go into scheduling limbo with a tie.
Gus and the rest of the coaching staff have currently the 34th overall ranked recruiting class. A program best, by a lot. This team is currently loaded with raw talent and the incoming talent seems even better. This team is fine. This program is fine. We are fine. The future is black and gold.
Now we wait to see who our bowl game opponent will be. I do not have a preference for an opponent, I just (selfishly) hope that it is a game in state so that I can make it. So that all of Knight Nation can go and root on our seniors on our team, one more time. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Win the bowl game!!!
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UCF vs. UConn: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
Happy 500th UCF Football game!!!! Our Knights capped off a milestone game with a resounding win and Settled the ConFLiCT.
Defense brought it once again. Tatum Bethune had his fourth double digit tackle game of the season. Justin Hodges had an insane interception in the first quarter. Cam Goode got his first career interception. The Knights defense totaled 5 sacks and allowed just 17 points. Solid effort all around.
Mikey Keene looked very comfortable most of the game and made some great decisions, both with his arm and with his feet. Johnny Richardson and Brandon Johnson hit career highs in yards for rushing and receiving respectively. I would argue this was Johnny Richardson’s best game as a Knights so far. One rushing and one receiving TD, he was very solid on his blocks, always seemed to be in the right place. Also, Ryan O’Keefe is now 2-2 with two touchdowns in the season. Talk about dual threat.
I know there are people who look at the score and the stats and say “well, it was UConn”. Well, that is correct, and this is how your team is supposed to perform against a team like UConn. That is not to say it was a flawless performance: there were breakdowns in protection that allowed the Huskies to get two sacks, there were a few three and out drives where the team just did not look in sync. Overall though, this was a textbook thumping and the kind of game our boys needed. Not only did it right the ship after last week’s disappointing loss at SMU, but a game like this serves as a morale boost before Black Friday’s game against directionally challenged usf.
Friday’s game will be the last War On I4 played at the Bounce House for the foreseeable future. Could be the last game played between the two schools for a while if the chips (and the money) fall into place. Two programs heading in completely opposite directions. UCF, a program on the rise, with great facilities, a strong fanbase, moving to a “P5” conference, about to haul in the best recruiting class in school history. Then there is usf, a program in disarray, stuck in realignment limbo, with no place to call home and less people every day to call fans. The karma being served to the bools right now feels so right, as we get to watch a program who did everything in their power to keep UCF out of the limelight succumb into mediocrity and anonymity. You reap what you sow.
As of yesterday, there were less than 700 tickets available for Friday’s game. Make sure you got yours because you do not want to miss the final slaying of the bools in Orlando. I mean, there is not much I need to say: Senior night, Black Friday, at the Bounce House. Be loud, be proud. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat usf!!!
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UCF vs Jacksonville: “The View From My Seat”
Full disclosure, I am not much of a basketball fan. Maybe years ago I was very much into the sport, I played basketball all through middle school and high school, but I lost interest after that (also, I blame Dwight Howard ). What I am though is a UCF fan and, once again, a Central Florida resident. Therefore, when the opportunity to purchase season tickets came along, I jumped right on it. I cannot promise that this will be a constant review of events from me, more of a “what I saw at the game that I was at” summary so strictly home games.
Sweet? Dude! Let’s go!
There was some obvious “big-win-jet-lag” from the victory at Miami last Saturday. Not knocking Jacksonville, but UCF pretty much played down to the opponent and kept it close until it was time to take over for good. I did not feel at any point that the game was getting out of hand or that we were approaching upset city. The final score also does not do Justice as to how close this game was. I guess I would say the Knight’s performance was, in the words of PRO, “at the lower end of the clear and obvious scale”.
The only thing I would like to see improvement on is having players understand the shot clock and the current game scenario a bit better. Just more awareness. There were multiple occasions where the Knights took unnecessary and difficult shots with a lead and with a full shot clock. Also, there were a few instances of too many extra passes, but this is the beginning of the season. A bit of patience goes a long way.
I saw a lot of good though. Great transition game, nobody got in foul trouble, good full court pressure pretty much the entire game. Yes, the defense left some gaps for a streaking 3-point shooting Dolphin team, yet they bent but did not break. Also, depth & size, wow, perhaps the deepest looking team we have had since we went to the tournament. Diong is a presence down below, a true center (even though he is listed as a forward). C.J. Walker looked good and healthy, Dre Fuller was all over the place forcing turnovers, making assists, etc.
This was my first basketball game since 2017. The student section was rocking. The crowd was ok given the opponent. I hope moving forward people get more into the mindset of “going to see UCF play” instead of “going to see UCF play versus XYZ”. The one thing that struck out is the overall game day experience is not up to par with football. Whereas UCF football turns game day into an all out event before and during the game, the setting for basketball does not live up to the hype. We arrived at 6:00pm and Barnes & Noble was closed. There are no merchandise booths inside the arena so anybody trying to get a last minute item (like a hoodie because all their hoodies are in a box in the garage because they did not think they would need any when they moved back to Florida and the boxes are not going to get opened until their new house is built) or just some fan items like foam fingers is basically out of luck. There were no tents with vendors outside, no “pre-game” activities. We brought up the merchandise issue to TMo on Twitter and he responded within minutes saying that he will make sure to let the bookstore know that they have requests for open hours during game days. Best AD in the business, y’all, we are in good hands.
Next game versus Evansville is on the road this Saturday at 2:00pm and then the big one next Saturday at home versus Oklahoma. I hope a lot of us can make it to that game to show the Big12 what type of fanbase they are getting in basketball.
After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Evansville!!!
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UCF @ SMU: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
“This will not be an easy fight, it has all the potential to get really ugly really quick”
- Me, a week ago
I hate being right sometimes.
I am currently packing my bags to head home after a week in Puerto Rico visiting my family. I will try and use my multitasking superpowers to the best of my abilities to put these words together before heading to the airport so here it goes.
There was bad execution all around yesterday. Missed assignments, missed tackles, bad routes, no run or pass protection. Sometimes things work out for you, sometimes they do not. It was a bad game, UCF lost, it happens, and it is now over.
The Knights’ offense centers on the run. Not just the run, we are talking downfield ground and pound style. The key component of that game plan is Bowser, so when Bowser is not on the field, the game plan fails. Mark-Anthony Richards is pretty similar in size and style to Bowser, I would say he is also faster. In my opinion, he should be RB1 when Bowser is out. I hope getting 105 yds in 8 carries and 2 TDs in just a half of game action can help his case and nets him more playing time.
Parker Navarro’s TD run makes the argument for me that he should be the change of pace back instead of Gatewood since Navarro is actually a good passer that can make the defense question whether the upcoming play is a run by the QB or not. Hope to see more of him in those scenarios in the next two games.
It was good to see Jay Flash out there looking like his old self. There was not much he could do, the o-line was bullied all game long and Mikey Keene ran out of options very quick on every snap. Hopefully the two can build some chemistry during practice this week and during the upcoming game against UConn.
Props to Gus for being out there on a platform coaching this team. I am sure he was frustrated regardless about his accommodations and his inability to interact with players on the sidelines.
With two games left in the regular season, UCF is still the only school in the state that is bowl eligible. I do not say this to compare UCF to the other programs in the state, I say this to remind myself that, in a season where our fiercest opponent has been injuries, we remain a winning football program.
The Knights have two back to back battles left at the Bounce House this season. A (for lack of a better word) bad UConn team comes to Orlando next. This seems like a good game to rest injured players and to also try and develop some of the chemistry I mentioned before. So get to the lots early, tailgate hard and then get to the stadium and cheer on our boys. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Settle the ConFLiCT⚔️🐺🏈🏆!!!
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UCF vs. Tulane: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
So, full disclosure, I was not at the game yesterday. I flew down to Puerto Rico on Friday night to visit my family. I actually lost track of time and did not even begin to watch the game until the start of the fourth quarter. I was very upset about missing this game but, for some reason, being able to kiss and hug my mother for the first time in over two years just felt a tiny bit more fulfilling. 😉
Ergo, today’s musings & thoughts are based on a quarter of play and a press conference. This will be a pretty short and sweet read so, are you ready?
Alright, let’s go.
So what did I see in the last 15 minutes of play? I saw a UCF team that, on paper, should have been in control at that point in the game but wasn’t. I saw a defense that was playing lights out, a Knights defense that has gotten better and better every single week. I saw an offense that was missing a key player and was struggling to make things happen. I saw a freshman QB making freshman mistakes. I also saw the same offense find an opportunity and capitalize on it. Then I saw the same defense make key plays to seal the deal. In the press conference, I saw UCF players taking responsibility for their shortcomings and compliment each other.
I saw a team that was as happy about this four point win as they were about last week’s beatdown victory. It was not pretty, but it was a win, and that is what counts. Basically, If I had to explain what I saw in the last 15 minutes of play to another UCF fan, I would just say “do you remember the 2013 season?”.
Bowl elegible, baby!!! The Knights are headed to their 6th consecutive bowl game. In a season that felt completely lost after week 3, being bowl elegible feels like an accomplishment.
I hope Bowser’s injury isn’t severe and that keeping him out was a precaution. He is a game changer, we play different without him.
Next up, our Knights travel to Dallas to battle a wounded SMU coming off back to back heartbreaking losses. This will not be an easy fight, it has all the potential to get really ugly really quick. But the one thing this team has is resilience and the one thing they need on the road in such a huge matchup is the support from their fans, from Knight Nation. Safe travels to all the Knight family going to Dallas, make sure you scream loud and proud so we can hear you on TV and so that the boys can hear you on the field. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat SMU!!!
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UCF @ Temple: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
“Are you not entertained?”
- Maximus Decimus Meridius
Our boys took care of business in the city of brotherly love. The defense who almost shut out Memphis a week ago had pretty much an encore, allowing 7 points in garbage time, 4 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. Once again, they put pressure on the QB all game long and kept the ball in front of them, never allowing a big play until the final few minutes.
Mikey Keene had himself a game. 15/21, 229 yards, 5 touchdowns. Career numbers on a journey who is just beginning. Might have been more if it was not for some unfortunate drops once again. This is the game that I have been wanting to see from him and I am sure I am not alone on that sentiment. It was not without issue, he still throws into double coverage and needs to get better at looking for his second and third options, but he is definitely going in the right direction. This helps the entire team, a productive vertical game changes things for the Knights on both sides of the ball. I’m glad to see Gus giving some more rope to the freshman.
Progress is the name of the game in a season with a new coaching staff and plagued with injuries. UCF seems to be trending the right way. First win on the road this year, most lopsided with since the Knights beat, wait for it, Temple in Philly in 2019, and one victory closer to bowl eligibility, which is huge when you consider where this team was in week 4.
Something I love about the Knights playing against conference opponents who play in NFL stadiums is that it makes it even more evident how much support this team has. I am very proud of all the fans who showed up to root on our boys and I hope to see a packed Bounce House next Saturday when UCF plays Tulane. This team deserves our support. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Tulane!!!
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UCF vs. Memphis: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts.
Mission accomplished: UCF remains undefeated in Space Games.
This was by far the best defensive game the Knights have had all season: 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 fumble recovery, 7 points allowed. They kept everything in front of them, never gave up the big play. There were at least 3 drives by Memphis that lasted 6+ minutes that netted them zero points. Tatum Bethune lead all defenders (again) with 9 tackles and a sack. That kid is going to play on Sundays. This was old school (pre-2017) UCF football defense.
Gus looks committed to the running game and, after 4 games without DG, I can honestly say it is with reason. Here are some numbers: Mikey Keene and Joey Gatewood combined for 81 yards over the air on 13 out of 21 attempts. That is right around 62% completion, with an abysmal 3.5 average yards per pass. Those 81 yards are 155 yards under UCF’s season average of 236 passing yards per game. Those 81 yards are also 23 yards less than the 104 total penalty yards the defense got hit with in the game (more on that later). In contrast, the running game looked great with Bowser hitting triple digits in yards for the third time this season as well as big contributions by Richardson and O’Keefe.
Now, why am I dropping (some sorta) stats all of a sudden in my weekly heavily opinionated post?
“Adventure. Excitement. A Jedi craves not these things.”
Because a win is a win. Because sometimes they are pretty, sometimes they are ugly, but they still count the same. Because as long as you score one more point than the other guy (and we scored 17 more), your victory counts as much as any other (this is not the case in soccer and I think hockey, but that’s a different topic for a different day). Because unless Mikey gets more comfortable in the pocket (or maybe Gus gets more comfortable with Mikey?) or DG comes back from injury, we are not going to play an exciting brand of football this season. Goodbye #UCFast. You were a great hashtag and I am going to miss you, but you just don’t apply anymore.
This is not a knock on Mikey, btw. He’s a talented young man who is playing the game plan laid out for him. Do I want to see more from him? Yes. Do I feel like Gus protects him too much with a super limited playbook and needs to open it up a bit more in game situations? Also yes. Do I want the receivers to stop dropping easy balls? My goodness, yes. The reality is that I do not know what type of quarterback Mikey Keene is because, in my opinion, there’s not enough of a sample after 4 games. I have faith in all our players and I have faith in Gus. What I do not have is patience, but that is not their fault or their problem. That is my own conundrum to deal with as a fan.
Another game without significant injuries to add to the list, woohoo!!!!
The refs were awful. I do not recall ever talking about referees in my “day-after” posts, but the amount of P6(?)* bogus penalties was insane. Especially in the second half, the “ghost” personal fouls on UCF, the no-calls on holds and pass interference on Memphis. According to Gus, in regards to that delay of game at the end of the first half, this is the 4th time this season that the referees sit on the ball and do not allow UCF to snap the ball. Did Aresco finally push the red button? Is this payback for leaving the conference? I suck at conspiracy theories, so do not listen to me, but I am sure some of you may have some better, more creative ideas regarding officiating.
To say this year’s Space uniforms were amazing is an understatement. This may be my favorite Space uniform. Not just all the little details like the Alumni names on the helmet, the Discovery branding on the sleeves or the shuttle tiles in the numbers, but that chrome facemask that I could see shine all the way in section 216 is something I’ve never seen UCF do and I am here for it.
Up next, our Knights face Temple in the city of brotherly love. Another tough test for a team that has not won on the road yet this season. Broadcast is on ESPN+ so make arrangements if you do not have the subscription. Also, if you are going to the game, the Philly alumni chapter throws a fantastic tailgate and you should definitely try and be a part of it.
Safe travels to everybody going to Philly and be sure to cheer and scream loud and proud for our Knights. After all, One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Temple!!!
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UCF @ Cincinatti: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
I have to begin by saying I’m glad Kenzie (Gus’ daughter) is stable and doing well besides being readmitted to the hospital. Football is just a game, there are far more important things in life.
Here is UCF’s injury report prior to the start of yesterday’s game:
Ricky Barber: DL - day-to-day - Undisclosed
Dionte Marks: WR - day-to-day - Leg
Jaylon Robinson: WR - out indefinitely - Leg
Kalia Davis: DL - out for season - Knee
Dillon Gabriel: QB - out indefinitely - Collarbone
R.J. Harvey: RB - out for season - Knee
Now that I pointed out the extremely obvious giant elephant in the room, what a frustrating game to watch that was. Frustrating because we almost evenly split the amount of snaps and dominated the time of possession by five minutes, but you would not be able to tell from the final score. Frustrating because Mark-Anthony Richards was given garbage minutes at the end while he could have been helping a struggling running game from the opening snap. Frustrating because a defense that showed promise was let down by a streaky offense and special teams. Frustrating because I had to watch a beat up UCF, with a first year coach, go on the road against a the #3 team in the nation, who happened to be full of healthy senior starters, with a coach on his fifth year. I wish It would not have been that way.
Dillon Gabriel’s freshman season spoiled me and I am sure I am not the only one feeling these effects. Because of DG’s historic first season, it makes it hard for me sometimes to see Mikey Keene for what he really is: a good FRESHMAN quarterback. A kid who, in all honesty, is doing good when given the opportunity. So my frustration is not with him, it is with the coaches and the play calling.
I feel UCF coached scared versus Cincinnati, trying to protect Mikey way too much. Never gave him a chance, never took a risk outside of 5-6 plays that all seemed like comeback routes geared towards his dominant side. By the time they called something downfield, it was too late. I feel they missed a golden opportunity to call a game like they had nothing to lose, because that is exactly what yesterday’s game was.
But, I digress.
It was good to see Bowser back in the lineup. He is not 100%, or at least he did not look to me like he is. But seeing him out there brought back a bit of hope. Tatum Bethune had another monster game with 10 total tackles. Brandon Johnson got his 6th TD catch of the year. The defense held Desmond Ridder to a season low 140 yds through the air. There were also no injuries from this game to add to our current long list.
I am not a believer in moral victories. Putting up 21 points on the road versus the #3 team in the nation sounds nice but does not mean much if they end up scoring 22 points or more, which they did. Great effort by a decimated Knights team regardless, but a loss is a loss and the team just needs to move on. A single game does not define a program and UCF’s future is still BIG.
This Friday’s game against Memphis is actually very important since it has a streak our boys will want to continue: UCF football is 4-0 in the “Space Game”. The Tigers are going to be a tough opponent against a Knights squad that is trying to find its identity during an injury plagued season. Now more than ever, this team needs us. They need Knight Nation to step up big. They need a full, loud stadium, letting them know for four quarters that we are with them through thick and thin.
Why? Because One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Memphis!!!
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UCF vs. ECU: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
“That was unnecessarily exciting”
- Me, last night, right after the game ended
KNIGHTS WIN!!!!
After back to back heartbreaking losses, our Knights find themselves again in the winning column. It was not the prettiest of wins, it was more of a throwback to the Cardiac Knights era, a fitting tribute to cap off Blake Bortles’ induction into the UCF Athletics Hall Of Fame. Also, this was the best 4th quarter crowd I have seen during family weekend in, well, forever. The Bounce House stayed pretty packed (40K+ registered attendance) and loud the entire game. That is huge when you consider all the recruits that were visiting. Pretty decent sample of the UCF game day experience for them.
The defense was the main factor last night. Tatum Bethune had a monster game coming back from injury with 17 tackles. The defense pressured ECU’s QB the entire game, getting 4 sacks and some huge stops, especially in the 4th quarter. That does not mean everything was great; there were some unnecessary penalties, our DBs continued to play soft and the pressure up front still allowed all sorts of space on crossing routes. Still, Big Kat and the rest of the unit kept a struggling Knight offense in the game.
Speaking of struggling offense, I said this already this season and I will say it again: I do not recognize this team. The #UCFast style of play that I had gotten accustomed to over the past five years is gone. In its place is a running attack that is also missing its main contributor. Kudos to Johnny Richardson on a great game, but Bowser’s absence can be felt on every snap. That being said, I would love to see Mark-Anthony Richards involved a bit more. He is a big back, was pretty impressive shedding off tackles and every possession he had seemed as if it was for positive yardage.
Congratulations to Mikey Keene on his first win as UCF’s starting QB. The freshman had a pretty decent outing against a much tougher defense than what he faced at Navy. There were 2-3 times where receivers dropped easy balls that could have, not only drastically changed his stat line, but the outlook of the game. His playbook still seems small, but Joey Gatewood’s lone snap under center tells me that Gus is giving Keene as much rope as the true freshman can handle. Baby steps.
I hope that Kalia Davis’s injury is not serious. Hate seeing all these ailments piling up for us, but I am optimistic that most, if not all, of our wounded Knights (I know DG is a scratch) will return to battle next Saturday against a Bearcat team that has to be thinking playoffs at this point. Safe travels to all our Knight family making the trip to Cincinnati, make sure you scream loud and proud for our boys.
And remember that One Team, One Heartbeat, that is all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Cinci!!!
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UCF @ Navy: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
“You know what the happiest animal in the world is? It's a goldfish. It's got a 10 second memory”
- Ted Lasso
I don’t have a lot to say today.
Yes, we should’ve/could’ve won that game. Without trying to sound like I’m throwing jabs at our opponent, UCF is far superior than Navy, on paper. From the very first guy on the roster to the last, we have more depth, more skill and I’d dare to say even more experience. But, that’s why you play the games, right?
“Why does Rice play Texas?”
The defensive struggles continued. Special teams had an undesired outing as well; blocked punt, blocked PAT. There were dropped passes, mental mistakes, we played without DG, Bowser & J-Flash; our #1 QB, RB & WR. I mean, it was just not a pretty game at all. This is not the same team from 3 weeks ago. This is a team with a ton of injuries to key starters and with a new coaching staff who is trying to figure out where the pieces fit.
But, not everything was terrible. When given the chance, Mikey Keene proved to be more than adequate, dare I say even showed brilliance, as a starting QB at this level and I have a feeling he will get more comfortable as time passes and Gus will also give him more rope. There were no new injuries to add to the dreadful long catalog we’ve been compiling this year. It was great to see Matt Lee on the field again, hope the rest of the guys can get back out there soon.
So what comes next? Well, if you’re a goldfish, the simple answer is ECU, next Saturday, at 6:00pm at the Bounce House. Winning is hard and I have zero expectations regarding the remaining of this season with a freshman QB and a new head coach at the helm. However many games UCF wins for the rest of the year I’m going to be fine with. I’m sure that’s not a popular opinion and it’s not one that I’m either seeking validation for or trying to convince anybody of. I learned a while ago that I can only be bothered by the things I can control and one of those things is showing up to the stadium next week to scream out loud on every defensive down and to cheer on the team I love.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat ECU!!!
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UCF @ Louisville: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
I want to begin by thanking all the Knight family that made it to Louisville and who cheered loud and proud the entire game. I always love hearing “U-C-F-Knights!!” during away game kickoffs.
I’m speaking in general terms here, which I know it’s not the case, but it’s a simpler way to drive my point across: I think our fanbase has been on such a high since this season started; thriller vs Boise, Big 12 invite, Uniformgate, etc., that we forget that sometimes, stuff happens. It’s like they experienced the 2015 season, yet expect the 2017 season every year. Realistically, neither of those are the norm. We have a new coaching staff, a new offense, a new defense. Losses come with the territory. Also, going after players on social media after a loss is never a good look. Do better.
To me, the game went south right at the beginning when Isiah Bowser got hurt. We couldn’t establish the run until the fourth quarter. By then, Louisville had already developed the confidence to win. As I’ve said (typed?) before, football is a team sport. You can’t expect one guy to carry your entire team, otherwise you’ve already set yourself up for failure. This isn’t a knock on the players, but perhaps a bit on the coaches. You need to be able to adjust to game situations and call a game that uses the assets you have available on the field to full capacity. Speaking of coaching, the defensive woes I mentioned last week came back to bite us. Tackling was subpar, our secondary kept either playing far off the block or over-pursuing and getting out of position, there was a play where Joshua Celiscar ran from the opposite side of the field to tackle Louisville’s RB. The defense didn’t click the entire game. It’s hard to win games when you give 35 points to the opponent’s offense, especially on the road.
I’m still not used to seeing such a slow pace from our offense. There were times last night where I felt tempo could’ve affected the flow of the game. But the main difference this season is that we have a QB who has proven for 2 years that he can throw a long ball and we have enough speed on the outside to do something with that, yet we’re just throwing short routes and quick passes. Just like the run can help you establish the pass, the pass can help you establish the run. New coaching staff, “growing pains”, I know, I know.
This may be my most armchair comment on this “day after” series, but this was not a well coached game at all. Both sides of the ball. Forget about throwing the ball on first down with :35 on the clock and three (3) timeouts left. There were so many times before that where we went three and out because we kept calling the same three schemes over and over. So many easy first downs given by a defense who kept playing too soft or too hard. On the flip side, kudos to Louisville for calling a helluva game. I’m sure you’ve heard (read?) me say this before, but the other team has players too, it’s not all on our guys.
Losing sucks. I feel that sometimes it’s easier to cope with getting blown out of a game than to lose in the last few seconds of one. Haven’t made up my mind as to which is worse but the fact remains. At the end of the day, it’s just a game and there are things far more important than the game, like the health of our players. I hope Bowser gets better soon and I hope Dillon Gabriel’s injury isn’t as severe as it looks.
This upcoming bye week is going to be anything but for our staff. Depending on last night’s injuries, UCF could be heading to Annapolis on October 2nd without a first string quarterback, running back and center. Lots of questions that need answers and lots of planning to do.
Remember than One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights! Charge On! Beat Navy!
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UCF vs BCU: “Day After” Musings & Thoughts
I can’t begin my usual game assessment without saying this: UCF is in a blue blood conference. UCF is in the Big12. The youngest program in FBS history to do so. It still doesn’t feel real and it probably won’t until we see Big12 schools in the schedule in 2 years (maybe one year?). What a time to be alive, Knight family.
Another game, another weather delay. Oh well, at least it’s not a hurricane. At least we’re still playing the games.
I made a prediction this week of a 62-14 score so I guess it’s safe to say the game went pretty much as I expected. That’s not to say there weren’t any issues. Our defensive backfield was playing soft, allowing receivers too much room after the snap. Same thing happened last week when playing Boise. Yes, they only allowed 14 points yesterday but, and I mean this very respectfully, the level of competition from BCU versus what we’re going to face the rest of the season is very very different. And it’s hard to criticize an offense that was in control the entire game and put up 63 points, but there were some easy drops by open receivers. We’re going to need to make those next week.
I still can’t get adjusted to watching our new offensive style, our new pace. We spent the last 5 years looking at our Knights playing fast tempo and throwing the long ball. Gus’ style is different. It works, I feel it’s more balanced and it allows our defense to rest a bit more. It’s just visually odd to me at the moment.
I hope Matt Lee’s injury isn’t too serious. Gus said Matt “wasn’t able to return” after he went down but was able to walk off the field on his own. Great job by Cole Schneider taking over center afterwards.
Isiah Bowser looks like a man amongst boys. 4 touchdowns in the first half? That’s 24K stuff right there. And can we all take a moment to appreciate Dillon Gabriel’s 44 yd TD run (more like a 70 yd run with all the side to side running)? Mikey Keene’s scrambling TD pass? Basically, awesome performances all around by so many Knights.
Next Friday we take on Louisville on the road. I expect a tough game, Bowser is going to have to run often. Keep the Cardinals offense off the field, that’s how Ole Miss was able to defeat them. Safe travels to all the Knights making the trip to the game. Be loud and proud in the stands, our boys need your support.
And remember than One Team, One Heartbeat, that is all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beat Louisville!!!
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Here’s Some Stats About the Remaining Members of the Big12.
The three longest tenured coaches are:
Gary Patterson (TCU) - 21st season
Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) - 17th season*
Matt Campbell (Iowa State) - 6th season
(Gus Malzahn is in year one)
*Gundy is tied for 3rd place overall with Kyle Whittingham from Utah.
Salaries for these three coaches and where these salaries ranks amongst all FBS head coaches:
Gary Patterson: $6.1 million (#9 overall)
Mike Gundy: $4.2 million (#26 overall)
Matt Campbell: $3.5 million (#41 overall)
(Gus Malzahn: $2.2 million)
The three smallest stadiums by capacity in the conference:
TCU: 45,000
Baylor: 45,140
Kansas State: 50,000
(UCF: 44,206)
Year their football programs started:
Kansas (1890)
West Virginia (1891)
Iowa State (1892)
(UCF: 1979 - first season)
Student body enrollment:
Texas Tech: 36,551
Iowa State: 36,350
Kansas: 27,565
(UCF: 71,913)
Conference titles:
Kansas State: 2
Baylor: 2
Oklahoma State: 1
(UCF: 6)
Total revenue (2019):
Kansas: $121,553,307 (#28)
West Virginia: $102,680,928 (#40)
Texas Tech: $96,625,347 (#55)
(UCF: $69,121,887)
Each school in the Big12 makes $37 million per year in tv revenue. That total is expected to decrease to $20-25 million upon the departure of Oklahoma & Texas and the additions of BYU, UCF, Cincinnati & Houston. Also, total revenue for the AAC (2019-2020) was $111,278,729, which is less than what Kansas makes on their own.
As you can see, the Big12 is not a sinking ship or a conference in disarray in spite of what the sports media wants you to believe.
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UCF vs. BSU: “Day-After” Musings and Thoughts
After an entire season playing to an empty stadium (and my first season as a Florida resident since 2014), UCF treated us to a Cardiac Knights throwback special. And, you know what? When you’re playing a team of Boise’s caliber, you shouldn’t expect anything less. Insane way to start the season and amazing way to start the Gus Malzahn era.
This team is absolutely loaded with talent, specifically new talent. From senior Big Kat Bryant (man amongst boys) to freshman Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (kudos to Jeff Sharon for nailing the name over the PA every single time), the future looks bright for our Knights.
The pick 6 and the seemingly rough start on both ends of the ball to start the game, took away from the fact that, when you look at halftime stats, both teams were a lot closer than the game was indicating. Great job by our coaching staff making the necessary adjustments in the locker room and bringing pressure to disrupt Boise’s flow. As much as both of DG’s interceptions made me scratch my head, his composure throughout the game and his obvious leadership shined through more for me. He did what (I don’t think) he’s ever done before: guide UCF to a comeback win, and what a comeback it was.
Isiah Bowser. That’s it, that’s all that needs to be said.
I don’t blame anybody who left early. It was a Thursday, the weather delay was a buzzkill and the game literally started yesterday and ended this morning. Thank you to everyone who stayed and kept the stadium loud even when the game felt like it was slipping away from us.
I am exhausted. I got home at 2:30am, my cat decided to attack his feeder at 5:30am and wake me up and now I’m about to clock in for work. But I wouldn’t change a thing. It was great to be back on campus and around my UCF family. I can’t wait to do it again next weekend when our boys take on Bethune Cookman in what I hope is a more relaxing game that should only take one day to complete.
See you all next Saturday and remember that One Team, One Heartbeat, that means all of us.
Go Knights!!! Charge On!!! Beats BCU!!!
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