No one thought it might finish this fashion.
4 months in the past, there was loads of pleasure and anticipation surrounding UCF heading into its second season within the Huge 12. The expectation was a bounce-back 12 months following a 6-7 marketing campaign in 2023.
Now, the Knights discover themselves within the unfathomable place of taking part in out a season with no likelihood at a postseason bowl.
The one objective is to beat Utah on Friday and ship out 20-plus seniors with a win.
What occurred?
“I don’t know, it’s been powerful,” mentioned senior operating again RJ Harvey.
“Everyone is entitled to their very own opinions,” mentioned senior receiver Kobe Hudson. “We’ve acquired so much to get higher at, nevertheless it wasn’t God’s plan.”
Senior offensive lineman Marcellus Marshall attributes small particulars to the crew’s lack of success.
“We beat ourselves in plenty of conditions,” he mentioned. “As one of many captains on this crew, I take full duty for the little issues that proceed to get us beat.”
Here’s a have a look at among the points the Knights’ confronted:
UCF operating again RJ Harvey set to wrap up stellar profession
Who’s the quarterback?
You’ll be able to’t speak concerning the UCF’s struggles and never begin with quarterback.
It’s been a sport of musical chairs behind middle, one thing no one might have predicted when the season began Aug. 29.
Arkansas switch KJ Jefferson earned the beginning job proper out of the portal, however the senior regarded uncomfortable within the offensive system. He struggled within the passing sport — notably on third downs — the place he accomplished simply 7 of 24 passes.
After main the Knights to a 3-0 begin (vs. New Hampshire, Sam Houston and TCU), Jefferson struggled in losses towards Colorado and Florida.
He was changed by true freshman EJ Colson, who took half in a handful of performs earlier than being changed by Miami switch Jacurri Brown. Brown began the subsequent two video games, dropping towards Iowa State and BYU, earlier than being changed by redshirt freshman Dylan Rizk.
As soon as fourth string, Rizk has been the best, finishing 68% (62 of 91) for 797 yards, 5 touchdowns and an interception.
What occurred with the switch portal?
Malzahn spoke early on about buying almost 50 newcomers within the offseason.
Expertise analysis and acquisition are clearly challenges with the portal, and UCF isn’t the one crew that struggles with a few of its selections. Simply ask Florida State.
Some newcomers helped: operating again Myles Montgomery, receiver Jacoby Jones, linebackers Ethan Barr, Deshawn Tempo and Xe’Ree Alexander, defensive linemen Nyjalik Kelly and Daylan Dotson and defensive backs Sheldon Arnold II and Mac McWilliams.
There even have been some misses. Because the portal offers, it takes away.
Receiver Xavier Townsend, kicker Colton Boomer, offensive lineman Wes Dorsey and defensive again Bryon Threats took redshirts with the intent of coming into the portal when it opens Dec. 9.
How did teaching strikes affect the crew?
Some acquisitions that did not work weren’t simply on the roster.
Malzahn introduced in two new coordinators within the offseason: veteran assistant coach Ted Roof, who took over the protection, and Tim Harris Jr., who returned to run the offense.
Roof was introduced in to improve a unit that completed final within the Huge 12 in run protection. The Knights made huge enhancements, rating third within the convention. However the protection struggled to cease groups on third downs and within the crimson zone.
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All of it got here to a head Oct. 28 when Roof was fired and changed with co-defensive coordinator Addison Williams, who led the protection final season.
Malzahn additionally introduced he was relinquishing play-calling duties to Harris. It’s the second time since his arrival in 2021 that he gave up these duties earlier than finally taking them again.
Harris’ affect was instantly felt because the crew scored 56 factors towards struggling Arizona on Nov. 2 to snap a five-game dropping streak.
Within the three video games because the transfer, UCF averages 36 factors and 452 yards per sport. Extra importantly, the Knights went from averaging 199 passing yards to 231.
Matt Murschel will be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com
Up subsequent …
UCF vs. Utah
When: 8, Friday, FBC Mortgage Stadium
TV: WOFL-35