Wednesday is early signing day for College Football. UCF enters the Big 12 in 2023 or 2024 so recruiting needed to get better. Gus Malzhan has been beating down doors and also the transfer portal favors UCF with filling holes. Glad to read articles like this on UCF recruiting. It's a short article and the title is definitely click bait, so don't click on it if not interested. Just know that UCF is still on an upward trajectory and you guys are welcome to jump on the bandwagon at any time. Support your local team and big time college football in our backyard. I hope we do get some great recruits tomorrow and "The Ink Dries" on the commits along with some surprises. Go Knights.

UCF closing in on best recruiting class in school history
https://247sports.com/Article/...signing-day-178288931/

"Gus Malzahn's first full recruiting class at UCF will go down as the best ever for the Knights in the 247Sports era. UCF, which has never finished higher than 55th in the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, enters the Early Signing Period holding the nation's No. 39 class and has a chance to rise a few more spots on Wednesday if the Knights are able to secure a signature from Tampa (Fla.) Berkley Prep Top247 running back Xavier Townsend."

Xavier Townsend was first one to sign with UCF this morning at 7:09Am!

Go Knights!

Gus Malzahn - 2022 Early Signing Period Press Conference
Dec 15, 2021

Texas A&M Aggies push past Alabama Crimson Tide for No. 1-ranked class on first day of early signing period

From espn above.

The story of the #1 recruit flipping from FSU to Jackson State is interesting. Neon Deion Sanders the coach there.

UCF got another twin dynamic duo like the Griffin twins who are now in the NFL.

Sanford to UCF pipeline flowing: Demari and Ja'Cari Henderson and Kameron Moore sign with Knights
Chris Hays, Orlando Sentinel - 1h ago

https://www.msn.com/en-us/spor...ith-knights/ar-AARQd5f

Smart recruiting.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

UCF lands five-star transfer LB Terrence Lewis

Kentucky LB announces transfer commitment to UCF. He previously visited in December and played for the Widkcats in the recent Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Gators ranked 50th.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Gators will more than likely improve once Napier gets established. The tranfser portal has been interesting. UCF lost some good players but picked some up.

The portal is heavily trafficked with good better best prima Donna's. What are these coaches promising these kids to make the late jump?

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Well, go look in what Texas A&M is doing to get the #1 recruiting class. $$$$$

Edited: 01/10/2022 at 05:55 AM by Central Floridave

What the primroses made?

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Yesterday, it was announce that some Key players are returning. Practice began as 2022 school year starts this week.

Isaiah Bowser is returning at Rb. He is an NFL back. Surprised he is returning he said in a presser he need one more term to complete his Masters Degree.

Sam Jackson, 5 year Right Tackle. NFL was calling. He is now returning. Another surprise.

Also, Key defense players and our NFL long snapper who came in 2nd in the long snapper award is coming back.

Then, it was announced a Qb from Ole Miss is transferring to UCF.

UCF has a lot of returning players. 2022 should be a good year for us. (knock on wood).

Column: A Deep Dive into UCF's controversial 2017 National Championship
Henry Huber | @HenryHuber_ Jan 9, 2022 Updated 20 hrs ago

https://www.lsureveille.com/sp...8d5b-4719ad9bd03c.html

#UCF has landed a commitment from Virginia offensive tackle Grad transfer Ryan Swoboda. Ryan is coming home being from Clermont, FL. He only has 1 year of eligibility. Also Ryan is a BIG Man at 6-foot-10, 325-pound??

AT VIRGINIA
2021 - Started 11 of UVA's 12 games at right tackle ... blocked on offensive line that helped Virginia averaged 515.8 yards of total offense, the third-most of any FBS program

UCF lands massive transfer boom from UVA OL Ryan Swoboda

https://ucf.rivals.com/news/uc...om-uva-ol-ryan-swoboda

Edited: 01/12/2022 at 08:48 AM by Central Floridave

Auburn Leading receiver Kobe Hudson transferring to UCF... Woot!

The BOOM's keep stacking up as Gus Malzhan lands another SEC transfer for the Knights. Kemore Gamble, who will come to UCF as a sixth-year senior, was the starting tight end for the Gators last season. He is the ninth SEC transfer Gus has landed since taking the job at UCF.

Gamble is coming off of a season where he caught 31 passes for 414 yards with 4 touchdowns. The 6'4" 243 pound bruiser played 656 offensive snaps in 2021, which was fifth most for any offensive Gator player. In total, he played 1,190 snaps over five seasons in Gainesville.

... UCF 2022 and beyond...Watch out! Get your season tix now (ha ha, already sold out)...Big 12 conf in 2023. Both Texas and Oklahoma are stuck until 2025 in the Big 12 so look for them in Orlando for regular season games.


Auburn transfer DT Lee Hunter is a Knight
Malzahn lands another former Auburn Tiger from the transfer portal

The 6'4" 321 pound defensive tackle was a four-star recruit, ranked top-100 in the nation, and top-10 in the state of Alabama. He was also ranked the #12 defensive lineman in the country. He'll come to UCF with a full four years of eligibility remaining.

Billboard in Title Town G-Ville

https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/...wcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=

Yesterday was 2nd signing day:



UCF football adds more talent to a strong 2022 class on National Signing Day

http://www.nicholsonstudentmed...9a34-afc06683460f.html

Its ending up very different than where it started.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

2022 schedule just released:

Date Opponent
Sept. 1 (Thur.) SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
Sept. 9 (Fri.) LOUISVILLE
Sept. 17 @Florida Atlantic
Sept. 24 GEORGIA TECH
Oct. 1 SMU*
Oct. 13 (Thur.) TEMPLE*
Oct. 22 @East Carolina*
Oct. 29 CINCINNATI*
Nov. 5 @Memphis*
Nov. 12 @Tulane*
Nov. 19 NAVY*
Nov. 25/26 (Fri./Sat.) @SOUTH FLORIDA*
Dec. 3 AAC Championship Game
*American Athletic Conference game

Hurricanes looking like an actual football school with Mario taking over. A storm is brewing and its in south Florida...

Cool for Canes. Great coach they picked up. Back when he was at FIU, UCF fans wanted to hire him.

UCF spring game this Saturday at Noon.

Miami Spring Game this Saturday also at noon. On ACC Network

Miami
Noon ET, ACC Network and the ESPN App

How will the excitement surrounding Mario Cristobal translate into what we see in the spring game?

There is a new vibe surrounding the Miami football program now that Cristobal has taken over. Miami will play its spring game at the home of MLS club Inter Miami CF because Hard Rock Stadium is unavailable -- and the Hurricanes announced earlier in the week the game is sold out. That is just one small indication of how much the fans in South Florida are anticipating what Cristobal and his staff are going to bring to the table. But to answer the age-old question about when Miami will return to competing for championships, the Hurricanes have to win games more consistently than they have over the past two decades. With quarterback Tyler Van Dyke returning to lead the offense, expectations are high, but there is work to be done. Two major areas to keep an eye on Saturday are receiver and defensive line, where Miami needs to find standouts and build depth. Cristobal believes the offensive line might be the most improved part of the team, so that bears watching as well. -- Adelson

UCF to go undefeated this year. Hard to figure out who and how anyone can beat UCF this year. Good Luck!

2 teams in your conference are in everyone's preseason top 25 ......neither of them is UCF

-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Edited: 04/22/2022 at 05:31 AM by LBLarry

& got my black & gold goggles on tight!

UCF spring game showed some great potential. UCF weak spot this year will be linebackers, but every other position is two deep at least.

The Qb transfer from Ole Miss Plumlee threw for 4 tds and is a running qb. UCF has a Qb competition going with last year's Mikey Keene and Plumlee.

Hope I didn't curse my team.

I wonder if that's why Navarro is transferring?

-------------------------
Specializing in sarcasm and condescending rhetoric since 1971.

earmarked for future reference



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Edited: 04/19/2022 at 01:34 PM by LBLarry

One of our best WR JFlash Robinson announced he is transferring out of UCF this afternoon. I guess I cursed it.

Receiver Jaylon Robinson says he will transfer from UCF

https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-w...184000506.html?src=rss

This spring, Robinson looked like his former self, catching 3 passes for 126 yards and 2 touchdowns in Saturday's spring game.

Despite his recovery, Robinson has decided to move on from the Knights.

"I would like to give a big thanks to coach Gus, coach Heard and coach [Chip] Lindsey and the rest of the UCF coaching staff for coming in and teaching me how to be a better player and leader," Robinson said.

The move means the Knights will rely on senior Ryan O'Keefe to take on an even larger role this season.

O'Keefe stepped up after Robinson got hurt and led the team with 84 receptions, which ranks fifth in a single season in UCF history. He totaled a team-high 812 receiving yards and was second with 7 touchdown catches.

In addition to O'Keefe, UCF returns redshirt junior Jaylon Griffin, senior Amari Johnson, redshirt junior Dionte Marks and redshirt sophomore Jordan Johnson among others.

The Knights also added Kobe Hudson from the transfer portal ahead of the spring. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound receiver led Auburn with 44 catches for 580 yards. His 4 receiving touchdowns also tied for the team-high.

In addition, the Knights will be joined this summer by two talented freshman receivers in Gainesville Buchholz's Quan Lee and Tampa Berkeley Prep's Xavier Townsend - both 4-star recruits, according to 247Sports.

UCF recruiting for 2023 and Big 12 conference in either 2023 or 2024.


Cardinal Gibbons QB Dylan Rizk commits to UCF football

https://news.yahoo.com/cardina...an-rizk-152400692.html

The momentum on the recruiting trail for UCF coach Gus Malzahn hasn't slowed down since the Knights wrapped spring camp last Saturday.

Cardinal Gibbons (Fort Lauderdale) quarterback Dylan Rizk announced his verbal commitment to UCF on social media Thursday becoming the fourth high school prospect to pledge to the Knights this week alone.

Rizk follows a Wednesday announcement from East Forsyth (N.C.) tight end Jayvontay Conner and joins four-star edge rusher Isaiah Nixon - who committed midway through the spring game - and Brunswick (Ga.) offensive tackle Jamal Meriweather - who announced his decision on Sunday.

Rizk is the 6th overall verbal commitment for UCF in this recruiting cycle.

In addition to the names above, Rizk joins Apopka three-star edge rusher Kaven Call - who committed on Christmas - and 3-star linebacker Troy Ford - who announced his verbal pledge in March - as members of UCF's 2023 recruiting class.

As a junior, Rizk served as the starting quarterback for a Cardinal Gibbons team that finished 11-2 and won the Florida 4A state title over Cocoa.

During the state championship season, he threw almost 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes. On the ground, Rizk ran for 456 yards and 8 more scores on the ground averaging 7.9 yards per rush.

Rizk is ranked as the No. 54 overall quarterback in the country for the 2023 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.

With Rizk in the mix, UCF's 2023 recruiting class sits at No. 26 in the country according to 247Sports.

also, coincidently the Cocoa Qb from last year is a UCF Walk on this year. He has potential as well for Big 12 action. We will see.

Canes get the twins!!!!!


From Fresno

-------------------------
So if you are a surfer I wish you the prosperity that allows you more time to pursue the salt water dream, and the true happiness that comes from warm water, clean waves and the companionship of your fellow surfers. If you are an internet troll just spewing bs then f off.

We weren't in the preseason top 25 back in 2017 either. 2nd year for Gus Malzhan, with strong transfers coming in and recruiting with a ton of returnees...Just wait...Keep posting that comment I made. I stand by it.

Well UCF does still enjoy the advantage of still playing in a conference that is populated with weak football teams.

I bet ya a Benjaman that they do not go undefeated through the reg season and any conference championships that they might play.



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

ESPN has the gators in top 25 preseason poll. Coming off a 6-7 season where they lost to UCF in the bowl game and have a new coach.

UCF returns a lot of players and have a very good coach yet isn't in it. Respectfully I would expect that since UCF wasn't that good last year with all the injuries. But, the Gators are all of a sudden going to be good. Napier that good of a coach?

Gators open the season with preseason #15 Utah in da swamp. Interesting match up.

I like where UCF is in on this AAC conference season prediction...#1 !!!

College Football Rankings, Season Predictions: American Athletic Conference Spring Version 2022

https://collegefootballnews.co...ce-spring-version-2022

good espn article...gonna be a long summer of no football...

Gus Malzahn, UCF football prepare to take next step up
https://www.espn.com/college-f...up?device=featurephone

Finebaum Show 5.13 - Gus Malzahn Interview
https://vimeo.com/709676065/69539612d4

Prescient comment there around 7:00 about how the move to a P5 conference opens the door to recruiting the best players in the country, players who wouldn't even talk to a non-P5 school.

It shows how the current structure (playoff slots) perpetuates the Old Boys' club. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

UCF could go to Big 12 as AAC champion if John Rhys Plumlee regains 'video game' magic
By Manny Navarro The Athletic
Jun 25, 2022

UCF didn't win a conference championship in Gus Malzahn's first season as coach, but he had no problem with the Knights declaring themselves state champions after they beat Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl last December to finish 9-4.

"We probably were the best team last year in the state, to be honest with you," Malzahn, 56, told The Athletic earlier this month. "It's probably not saying much."
Bragging about being the best team in Florida isn't quite what it used to be.

Last season marked the first time in 43 years that there wasn't a team from the state ranked in the final Associated Press poll. Florida and Miami carried the state flag early in the 2021 season. But the Hurricanes fell out for good after a loss to Michigan State dropped them to 1-2, and the Gators dropped out by the second week of October after a loss at LSU.

Florida State, meanwhile, the last in-state team to win the national title game (2013), hasn't been ranked in the AP poll since the Seminoles were 19th in the 2018 preseason poll.

UCF and Florida are the only two in-state programs to finish in the AP top 10 since 2017.

When UCF cruised to the American Athletic Conference title and a 13-0 season after a Peach Bowl victory over Malzahn's Auburn Tigers in 2017, most of the college football world rolled their eyes when the Knights declared themselves national champions after the Colley Matrix computer-generated system tabbed them the No. 1 team in the country.

With the Knights set to join a Power 5 conference next season, Florida, Florida State and Miami can't ignore UCF as a serious threat anymore. While College Football Playoff regulars Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State take most of the Sunshine State's top recruits these days, the Gators, Seminoles and Hurricanes have found themselves recruiting against UCF for the top remaining in-state players in recent years. Going to the Big 12 only helps the Knights raise their stature.

"We're recruiting differently now that we're going to the Big 12," Malzahn said. "It opened the doors for us with some guys that wouldn't bend before we made that move."

The Knights haven't overtaken the state's Big 3 yet in the recruiting standings. Still, progress is being made. UCF signed four top-500 recruits in the 2022 cycle. In the four years prior, the Knights signed three combined.

UCF's 2022 recruiting class, ranked 52nd in the 247Sports Composite, was its best despite including only 15 high school seniors to score points in the team standings.

The group Malzahn has added to UCF's roster since the end of the season includes 10 transfers from Power 5 programs. The 247Sports Composite transfer portal standings had Florida State and Miami ranked 11th and 12th. But UCF wasn't far behind. The Knights finished 16th.

The momentum has carried over a little at the start of the 2023 cycle with a handful of notable in-state official visitors in June, which included top-100-ranked defensive lineman John Walker (Kissimmee, Fla.) and three other top-500 recruits.

"Things are going very well," Malzahn said. "A lot of excitement heading into Year 2. Year 1 was more about making sure we knew our personnel, built around our strengths. It was good to go through the league, get an understanding of what you're dealing with, then recruit to our needs.

"But our goals are a lot bigger than (being state champions). Our goal is to win a national championship here. I really believe we can do it. This place is a gold mine. It's a great school. Orlando, it's unbelievable to live here. Everything is set up for great success. It's a very exciting time right now."

Malzahn wants to create "a State of Orlando" recruiting fence in Central Florida but is not ashamed to say he's also going to use the transfer portal to build his UCF teams. As far as name, image and likeness is concerned, UCF is "embracing it," Malzahn said.

Instead of wearing traditional numbers on the back of their jerseys for the spring game in April, UCF players wore QR codes so businesses and individuals interested in signing UCF players to marketing deals could easily find links to their player bios and Twitter and Instagram handles.

"I know our main guys did fairly well last year," Malzahn replied when asked how well UCF's players did financially in the NIL market.

"We're a young school. We don't have some of the dynamics some of the older traditional schools have. But we're in Orlando with 2.5 million people. The best brands in the world are right here. There's no NFL team, which means our guys are set up unbelievably in the NIL age. We've got 72,000 students, and the average age of our alumni is 36. They're all on social media. The more that we can go down this road, the better off we are. That's why I say everything is set up here for success."

Winning the American Athletic Conference for the first time since 2018 and getting back into the national rankings before leaving for the Big 12 could help speed up the process.

But are the Knights good enough to beat conference favorites Cincinnati and Houston? They might be, if the transfers Malzahn scooped up from Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Maryland and Virginia perform the way he thinks they can.

Offense

Malzahn inherited an elite quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and an offense averaging 42 points a game from Josh Heupel last year. But injuries took a toll on UCF's offense, and the Knights took a step back in terms of the scoring numbers fans have grown accustomed to seeing.

UCF's 31.9 points per game were the fewest for the program since the Knights averaged 28.8 in 2016. In the seasons following 2016, UCF led the country in scoring in 2017 (48.2 points per game) and ranked sixth (43.2) in 2018, fifth (43.4) in 2019, and eighth (42.2) in 2020.

It's no secret that Malzahn's hurry-up, no-huddle offenses performed their best when a legitimate dual threat was running the show at quarterback. His most prolific offense at Auburn in 2010 - when he was offensive coordinator - averaged 41.2 points per game. Heisman Trophy winner Cam Newton was the catalyst. Newton could throw it. He also ran for 1,473 yards and 20 touchdowns on 264 carries, driving opponents crazy with the read option.

It's no coincidence Malzahn's second-best offense at Auburn, which averaged 39.5 points a game and reached the national title game in 2013, was led by another elusive quarterback in Nick Marshall. He wasn't nearly as big or as good a passer as Newton, but Marshall ran for 1,062 yards and 12 touchdowns on 172 carries in 2013.

No other Malzahn quarterback since Marshall has come close to matching that many rushing attempts or yards in a season in his offense, and no Malzahn-led offense has averaged more than 34 points a game since Marshall left him.

That's why bringing over former Ole Miss quarterback John Rhys Plumlee in the transfer portal could be the key to unlocking an elite offense at UCF in 2022.

"He was like a video game in the SEC his true freshman year," Malzahn said of Plumlee, whom he tried to recruit to Auburn. "Very excited that we have him."

As a freshman in Oxford in 2019, Plumlee split reps with Matt Corral. He made eight starts and ran for 1,023 rushing yards and 12 TDs, completing 52.7 percent of his 150 pass attempts for 910 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. Lane Kiffin took over at Ole Miss in 2020, and Corral became the primary quarterback, leaving Plumlee, who has 4.4 speed in the 40-yard dash, to work mostly at receiver or take direct snaps as a running back. Although Plumlee has thrown just eight passes over the past two seasons, Malzahn believes he has an elite arm and can make the throws downfield to stretch defenses.

"My heart's always been at quarterback and when I got the opportunity to do it again, I ran with it," Plumlee said after tossing a couple of touchdowns in the spring game. "I love the offense. It's awesome. People know Gus Malzahn has a really good offense. With the talent and the pieces we have, I know we're going to score a lot of points."

Of course, Plumlee has not won the starting job yet. Malzahn didn't name a starter coming out of the spring and said the only reason Plumlee took the first reps in the spring game over sophomore Mikey Keene was he "won a coin flip."

Keene, a 5-11, 180-pound three-star recruit in the 2021 cycle out of Chandler, Ariz., went 7-3 as a starter after Gabriel went down in a loss to Louisville on Sept. 17. Keene completed 63.6 percent of his 272 pass attempts for 1,730 yards with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. His NFL passer rating (92.9) was fifth among 17 first- and second-year quarterbacks with at least 150 dropbacks, according to Pro Football Focus. But Keene isn't a runner, and Malzahn made it a focus for the young quarterback to use his feet more this spring on third down and medium distances.

"Mike finished very strong being the starter as a true freshman last year," Malzahn said. "So we feel like we got two real guys at quarterback. That's going to be rare now with the one-time transfer rule and all that. So that's a really good position for us."

In the backfield, leading rusher Johnny Richardson (5-7, 170) is back to provide explosiveness in the running and passing games. He averaged 7 yards a carry, caught 25 passes for 226 yards and provided a nice change of pace when 6-1, 225-pound former Northwestern transfer Isaiah Bowser wasn't bowling over opponents with his size.

Bowser averaged 4.42 yards per carry and ran for 703 yards and nine touchdowns before injuries forced him out of the final three regular-season games and the spring game. But he's back to form a nice 1-2 punch with Richardson after pounding the Gators in the Gasparilla Bowl with 155 yards on 35 carries.

UCF's offensive line must replace both starters on the left side - 18-game starter Marcus Tatum at tackle and 47-game starter Cole Schneider at guard. But Malzahn found help in the portal, bringing back Clermont, Fla., native Ryan Swoboda (6-10, 325) from Virginia, where he started 25 games, and former Jacksonville State starting left tackle Tylan Grable (6-7, 290).

They'll compete with fifth-year senior Edward Collins (6-6, 315), a 13-game starter with 1,218 snaps at UCF. The returning starters, meanwhile, include 31-game starter Samuel Jackson (6-6, 325) at right tackle, 22-gamer starter Matthew Lee at center and 21-game starter Lokahi Pauole (6-4, 305) at right guard. Pauole was an All-AAC second-team selection.

At receiver, Tennessee transfer Brandon Johnson (38 catches, 558 yards, 11 TDs in 2021) ran out of eligibility, and five others hit the transfer portal, including Jaylon "Flash" Robinson, who left for Ole Miss after a dazzling spring game. But the addition of Auburn's 2021 leading receiver - Kobe Hudson - could make up for the losses.

Hudson (6-1, 200) had five catches for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game after producing 44 catches for 580 yards and four catches last year for the Tigers. He should pair up nicely with 5-11, 175-pound senior Ryan O'Keefe, who finished second in the AAC with 84 catches for 812 yards and seven scores last season.

At tight end, former walk-on Alec Holler (6-3, 230) returns after producing 19 catches for 191 yards and three touchdowns in eight starts in 2021. But he has competition for reps from Kemore Gamble (6-4, 245), who is coming over from Florida. Gamble had 31 catches for 414 yards and four scores as a full-time starter for the Gators last season.

Key stat to know: UCF slipped from 11th in third-down conversions (48.8 percent) in 2020 to 83rd last season (37.93 percent). The shortcomings occurred when Malzahn's offense tried to run it on third down and 4 or more yards to go, converting only six of 44 attempts (13.6 percent) in those situations. That's why Malzahn likes an elusive quarterback who can scramble and pick up first downs with his legs. In 2010, Newton picked up 15 first downs in 32 situations when he tucked the ball and ran on third down and 4 or more yards to go.

Defense

Coordinator Travis Williams, a former Malzahn assistant at Auburn who was plucked away from a defensive assistant role at Miami only 17 days after Manny Diaz hired him in Coral Gables last year, led a unit that gave up nine fewer points per game (24.5) and more than a yard less per play (5.08) than it did in 2020.

The biggest jump, though, came in the secondary, which posted the seventh-best efficiency rating against opposing quarterbacks, up from 104th in 2020.

"The communication from back end to the linebacker is what we worked on a lot," said Williams, who runs a 4-2-5 scheme. "Before the ball is snapped and post-snap, not turning anyone free, and then understanding why we're calling certain calls. ... I thought that was the biggest improvement we made."

Nine UCF players who started at least six games last season are back. The big losses were leading tackler and top linebacker Tatum Bethune (Florida State transfer) and All-AAC first-team selection Big Kat Bryant, who led the team with 14 tackles for loss and six sacks and signed with the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. Bethune left with Williams' blessing.

Up front, three starters return. Western Kentucky transfer Ricky Barber (6-3, 290) did a solid job in the middle, producing 5 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks in 10 starts for the Knights last year. He forms a nice 1-2 punch with Keenan Hester (6-4, 305), who had 1 1/2 sacks and a few good moments in the spring game after starting seven games in 2021. Out on the edge, junior Josh Celiscar (6-4, 265) is back after starting 10 games and producing 7 1/2 tackles for loss and three sacks last year.

The real pressure, though, comes from senior Tre'mon "Drop" Morris-Brash (6-2, 245). He didn't start a game last season but finished second on the team with 10 tackles for loss and five sacks. He and fifth-year senior Landon Woodson (6-6, 235), who had three sacks in the spring game, should be the biggest pass-rushing threats for the Knights.

In addition, two SEC transfers will provide depth: Redshirt junior K.D. McDaniel (Kentucky) and former four-star recruit Lee Hunter (Auburn).

"Like Coach Malzahn said, we really focused on our pass rush this spring," said Williams, whose defense produced 2.77 sacks per game (34th among FBS programs) last year and graded out 107th in tackling, according to PFF, and 78th in rushing yards allowed per play (4.32 per carry). "We felt like we left some meat on the bone this past year as far as just getting to the quarterback and not being able to get them down."

At linebacker, UCF has only one experienced starter back who has played more than 300 snaps at the FBS level: 6-2, 230-pound senior Jeremiah Jean-Baptiste, who started five games and had 51 tackles, 6 1/2 for loss, an interception and a forced fumble in 2021.

What the Knights lack in experience, they made up for by bringing in talent via the portal. UCF scooped up former Maryland linebackers Branden Jennings and Terrence Lewis and brought in former FCS All-American Jason Johnson, who led the Ohio Valley Conference with 112 tackles last season at Eastern Illinois. Jennings, a four-star recruit in the 2021 cycle, started three games for the Terrapins last season before transferring to Kansas State and then UCF. Lewis, a five-star from Miami in the 2021 cycle, played two snaps on special teams last year before having surgery. He sat out the spring.

"Jean-Baptiste has been awesome. He's been leading the group and taking the bull by the horns," Williams said. "We've got some guys. We've just got to put the pieces together in the locker room. We're going through the practices in the summer and seeing who fits where."

UCF's secondary brings back six players who started at least six games last season. They're strong at safety. Junior Quadric Bullard, who finished second on the team with 83 tackles, has put on weight, Williams said. Former Georgia transfer Divaad Wilson, who earned second-team All-AAC honors from coaches after producing 72 tackles and two interceptions last season in 12 starts, has also made strides.

The highest-graded defensive back was cornerback Davonte Brown. The junior is listed by PFF as the 85th-best draft-eligible prospect going into the season and the 11th corner on its big board. He had seven pass breakups and allowed only five catches for 56 yards and no scores last season the 20 times he was targeted in pass coverage.

"He's quiet, but he comes to work every day," Williams said of Brown. "He's going to take his game to a new level, having a great summer, working his tail off."

Key stat to know:
Stopping the run is fundamental to UCF's success. In nine wins last season, the Knights held opponents to an average of 106 yards rushing per game and 3.31 yards per carry. In the four losses - to Louisville, Navy, Cincinnati and SMU - UCF gave up an average of 279 yards per game and 5.71 yards per rush.

Special teams

The Knights return their long snapper, kicker and punter and their main return men on kickoffs in Richardson and O'Keefe.

Senior Daniel Obarski has handled UCF's kicking duties the past two seasons but was only 8-of-14 on field goal attempts last year, including going 1-of-6 from 40 yards or more. That opens the door for freshman walk-on Colton Boomer to enter the competition.

Senior punter Andrew Osteen has handled UCF's punting duties since 2019. He ranks second in UCF history with a 42.2 career yards per punt average. He punted 71 times last year with an average of 41.1 yards per kick.

Opposing scouting report

As good as Keene was in relief of Gabriel last season, at least one opposing coach believes Plumlee is the key to UCF's success in 2022 and expects Malzahn to start him at quarterback.

"Gus just really likes those guys that can run," the coach said. "I mean, he's so good at building around what his quarterback can do. But when the guy can run, it really feeds into his run game, which kind of predicates everything for him. If they can run the ball, then they can throw big shots over the top. That's what he likes to do. The fact that you have a running quarterback that really makes it more 11-on-11, it really levels the playing field and puts a lot of stress on the defense, which in turn gets you in a lot of one-on-one situations.

"Dillon Gabriel was a stud and they were rolling in his first few games. When he got hurt, they had to go to the freshman. But you'll get to see Gus much more comfortable this year because he's got a QB that'll fit his comfort zone and his style and what he likes to do. They're going to have a big year. They're going to be one of the hardest teams in our league, if not the best."

Defensively, there's also plenty of respect for the job Williams did in his first season as coordinator and what he'll do with most of his unit back.

"Travis will do a great job running that scheme on defense, and I know they've got some really good high school players that have been on their roster coming back," the coach said. "We'll see how good the transfers are, but their returning core in the secondary is very good."

How the Knights have recruited from 2019 to 2022

As the Knights prepare to enter the Big 12, there's no question UCF needs to begin recruiting at a higher level if it is going to be a legitimate conference title contender.

The Knights' average class during the past four years was 63rd according to the 247Sports Composite, placing them third in the AAC behind Cincinnati and Memphis. If you were to compare UCF with their future Big 12 rivals, they would be seventh in the league behind Baylor (36th), West Virginia (37th), Iowa State (46th), Cincinnati (49th), Texas Tech (59th) and Kansas State (60th).

One issue with the past few classes has been attrition.

Of the 21 high school recruits the Knights signed in the 2019 cycle coming off a 12-1 season, nine have left the program. In the 2020 class, six of the top-10-ranked high school recruits have already left via the transfer portal. In the 2021 class, three of the top four have left, with seven of the 17 high school recruits already gone. The coaching change obviously played a role, but those figures help explain why the transfer portal is something Malzahn is using quite a bit.

In the transfer portal

Seven of the 22 players who have left UCF since the start of the 2021 season ended up at Power 5 programs: Gabriel (Oklahoma), tight end Charlie Browder (Tennessee), receivers Jaylon Robinson (Ole Miss) and Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (UCLA), defensive lineman Cam Goode (Michigan), and linebackers Tatum Bethune (Florida State) and Eriq Gilyard (Kansas).

The fact Malzahn was able to bring in 10 players from Power 5 schools, though, tells you he won the overall battle this past season. If the Knights can continue to pull in difference-makers from other schools, it will more than make up for any recruiting deficiencies in the next few years.

Impact of coaching changes

There were only two coaching changes on Malzahn's staff after his first season in Orlando. Former Troy coach Chip Lindsey replaced G.J. Kinne (Incarnate Word) as offensive coordinator, and former Indiana co-offensive coordinator Grant Heard replaced Darrell Wyatt (Boston College) as receivers coach.

"Stability, college coaching staff wise, is getting more and more rare," Malzahn said. "Travis Williams and his staff did a great job last year. Offensively, Chip Lindsey is a guy that I've worked with different times. We won championships together. Very excited to have him come in. Grant Heard's a guy that worked for my buddy Hugh Freeze for a long time. I got to know him way back when. He's the receiver coach at Ole Miss that really got that group going. Feel very excited about those two guys."

Schedule

Sept. 1
South Carolina State
Home

Sept. 9
Louisville
Home

Sept. 17
Florida Atlantic
Away

Sept. 24
Georgia Tech
Home

Oct. 1
SMU
Home

Oct. 13
Temple
Home

Oct. 22
East Carolina
Away

Oct. 29
Cincinnati
Home

Nov. 5
Memphis
Away

Nov. 12
Tulane
Away

Nov. 19
Navy
Home

Nov. 25
South Florida
Away

Final assessment

Winning the league for the first time in four years isn't far-fetched if Plumlee reaches his potential. The Knights, though, must do a better job of tackling and stopping the run if they're going to beat Houston or Cincinnati. The potential is there to win 10 or more games, be the best team in the state again and put together another stellar recruiting class. But it's not a slam dunk any of it happens. There are a lot of new pieces trying to come together.

The odds of any team going undefeated are very low. Very few teams pull it off. You gonna give me a point spread?

Do you remember this post?



Are you now attempting to backstroke away from your own solid prediction? I mean, remember 2017 and all.

oh and .... you want me to give you a "point spread" in if or not UCF will have an undefeated season???? WTF? Exactly how in the hell would I do that??

-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Edited: 04/22/2022 at 02:24 PM by LBLarry

I'm not backstroking on anything. I think we can go undefeated this year and looking at the schedule figuring out who and how anyone can beat UCF this year?

Now, do I want to gamble on it? No. It's a fools bet to do that. You are the one that put gambling in on it, not me. Look at the schedule. All winnable games.

Houston which is probably the top AAC team isn't on the schedule but if UCF runs the table more than likely will see them in Conf champ game.

Cinci should and I hope have a down year with losing Qb/Rb/Oline from last year's Playoff run. Cincy's defense was the best last year and hoping they lost some from players from that team (haven't checked).

Louisville has that very dangerous Qb, but they just barely beat UCF last year in Louisville. WE WANT revenge on them. GaTech, eh, Maybe. SMU may be good. Can always drop a game with NAVY with their crazy strategy, they beat UCF last year. But, overall UCF will be much improved over last year.

Thanks for playing the spur-Central-Floridave-with-gabbing-more-about-UCF-Knights game. You are one of the best at it.

Date Opponent
Sept. 1 (Thur.) SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
Sept. 9 (Fri.) LOUISVILLE
Sept. 17 @Florida Atlantic
Sept. 24 GEORGIA TECH
Oct. 1 SMU*
Oct. 13 (Thur.) TEMPLE*
Oct. 22 @East Carolina*
Oct. 29 CINCINNATI*
Nov. 5 @Memphis*
Nov. 12 @Tulane*
Nov. 19 NAVY*
Nov. 25/26 (Fri./Sat.) @SOUTH FLORIDA*
Dec. 3 AAC Championship Game
*American Athletic Conference game

and after they lose a game or two ..... you will go as radio silent as you did last year.

-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Do you want to bet a benjamin that I won't go 'radio silent' if they lose a game or two?

I almost feel like you two should take this to NSR

So you want me to bet you on something that you 100% control the outcome of ..... lol, no.



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

22/23 year will be a transitional year before going into the Big 12. Hope we can win the conference and the National Championship beforehand!

BIG 12 NEWS Houston, UCF, Cincinnati to Join Big 12 in 2023-24

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Name your number on that bet!!!



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Hey LBLarry, every fan of every team should hope their team wins the National Championship. I'm sorry you pull for a team that does not have that aspirations. For UCF, that is our goal.

Hey CentoDavo ...... the reality is, that for some teams that goal is obtainable and for MOST it simply is not. For various reasons the reality is that both our teams are currently in the not, category.

-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Cinci made the playoffs last year. Thus, there is hope for UCF. But, first, gotta beat everyone in front of us and of course, have some shake down of the blue bloods. I'm kinda tired of BAMA BAMA BAMA...someone has to knock them off. Gus Malzhan knows how to beat Nick Satan. He has beaten him 3 times. Stars gotta align, but UCF is shooting for the stars!

fyi, Cincinnati had 9 players from last year's team drafted to the NFL. Shows you how talented that team was!

and Bama hammered them in the CFP semi



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

There is only one team that Bama didnt hammer, and they won it all.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Speaking of which Texas A&M has reportedly the #1 recruiting class with like 9 5 stars. I'm just guessing at 9. Jimbo Fisher must be paying a lot for all those stars.

That's Jimbo's history. It's not like it was ten years ago. All of these 5 stars are jealous mistresses and the new transfer portal rules make them very entitled. Very few 5 stars will be staying put. I can't imagine a situation like Bama had with two awesome quarterbacks staying there in case the starter gets injured or just screws up a game.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

UCF's Gus Malzahn discusses direction of program, NIL and transfer portal

https://www.msn.com/en-us/spor...sfer-portal/ar-AAX5eDo

May 24th, UCF Charge On Tour.
Space Coast | Gator's Dockside 683 Dave Nisbet Dr, Port Canaveral, FL 32920

This battle between jimbo Fischer and nick saban is hysterical. The two biggest offenders in recruiting complaining about the other.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

Now I am far, far from an Orr fan, but his take on the SabanJimbo pissing match is both spot on and hysterical!

Orr comes off the top ring rope with a Bionic Elbow of a mic drop



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

The 2022 UCF ChargeOn Tour
Tuesday, May 24 - Space Coast
Location: Gator's Dockside (683 Dave Nisbet Drive, Port Canaveral, FL 32920)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Fri, June 10, 2022, 11:09 AM
The University of Cincinnati, the University of Houston and the University of Central Florida will officially leave the American Athletic Conference for the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023, the AAC announced Friday morning.

-------------------------
Dora Hates You

Woot! One more year in the AAC then off to the Big-12. Hopefully Texas and Oklahoma are forced to stay in Big12 until 2025 so we can get them in Orlando.

btw, UCF very first game in their new stadium (2007) was against a highly ranked Texas at #6. UCF just about upset them and it went to the final plays. UCF lost 35-32 to the longhorns. It was a very exciting game.

https://www.espn.com/college-f.../game?gameId=272582116

Edited: 06/10/2022 at 02:49 PM by Central Floridave

AAC officially announces Charlotte, FAU, North Texas, Rice, UAB & UTSA will join league on July 1, 2023. This will be their last season in C-USA

ORLANDO, Fl. - Former 5-Star running back Demarkcus Bowman has announced his transfer from Florida Gators to the University of Central Florida.

UCF added one of Florida high school football's most prized recruits of recent memory to its already loaded running back room.

Demarkcus Bowman, a consensus five-star recruit who earned Mr. Football honors in 2019, exited the NCAA's transfer portal Monday with a commitment to the Knights. Bowman spent one season apiece at Clemson and Florida, totaling 23 carries for 113 yards to this point at the collegiate level.

Edited: 06/27/2022 at 03:23 PM by Central Floridave

Sharon and Marc Hagle Commit More Than $5 Million to UCF Athletics
The commercial developers and philanthropists' commitment will help transform the football campus as UCF moves into the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023.
haron and Marc Hagle, noted commercial developers, philanthropists and astronauts of Winter Park, Florida, have made a pledge commitment of more than $5 million to UCF Athletics. It is the largest cash pledge commitment ever by an individual or couple for UCF Athletics.

As part of the recently announced Mission XII initiative, proceeds from the commitment will help transform the UCF football campus as it moves into the Big 12 Conference on July 1, 2023. In recognition of this commitment, the Knights will honor the Hagles by naming the enhanced football campus "The Sharon and Marc Hagle Gateway" pending approval by the UCF Board of Trustees. Design of "The Gateway" project, which will include McNamara Cove, Nicholson Plaza, a VIP Parking Lot and renovated practice fields, will begin soon.

"With a thriving community in Orlando, a bustling Space Coast nearby and one of the largest yet youngest alumni bases in the nation, UCF is well positioned to be a university for the future. Success in intercollegiate athletics is paramount to matching the university's continued growth. We are thrilled to help the Knights take their next steps into the Big 12. So much has happened for the Knights over the last decade - it is breathtaking to imagine what the future holds for UCF," says Sharon and Marc Hagle.

Sharon and Marc Hagle are visionaries, always looking to the future with a commitment to provide people with opportunities to excel," UCF President Alexander N. Cartwright says. "Their leadership and philanthropy extends from Orlando to the stars, from kindergarten to college, and we are honored that they have included UCF in their efforts to foster innovation, discovery and excellence. Their generosity is a reminder of the incredible difference philanthropic investment can make in elevating our national reputation in athletics and academics. UCF is a better place because of Marc and Sharon, and on behalf of our students, student-athletes, faculty, coaches, staff, and alumni, thank you."

"The Hagles' commitment is a critical investment in our Kenneth G. Dixon Athletics Village vision. As we transition into the Big 12 Conference and transform the proposed football campus, it will have a major impact on the daily functions of the lives of our student-athletes, coaches and the university community. Thank you, Sharon and Marc. We know this gift will inspire others to invest in UCF Athletics through the ChargeOn Fund," says UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir.

Gus Malzahn, head football coach of the Knights, adds, "Sharon and Marc dream really big. Their passion for space exploration not only for themselves but also for many future engineers and scientists through their SpaceKids Global initiative will continue to be a game-changer. Their investment in our program will push us to new limits too. I am glad they are on our team."

UCF will hold a special recognition and presentation at a 2022 home football game to honor the Hagles.

For more information about making a gift in support of Mission XII, please visit www.missionxii.com.

UCF Knights Preview 2022: Season Prediction, Breakdown, Key Games, Players

https://collegefootballnews.co...down-key-games-players

fyi, Single Game tix went on sale today for season ticket holders. I picked up a couple extra for the Friday night Louisville game. There were only a scattering of tickets left.

Single game tix go on sale to the public Aug 1.

Huge get...staying local...


DT John Walker commits to UCF over Florida, Miami, Michigan & Ohio State

https://www.msn.com/en-us/spor...ohn-walker/ar-AA104ZMj

UCF's Gus Malzahn on Knights QB battle: 'As even as it can get'
Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel - 3h ago

If UCF football coach Gus Malzahn were required to choose a starting quarterback between sophomore Mikey Keene and Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee tomorrow, Malzahn would likely have to flip a coin.

"Right now it's as even as it can get," Malzahn said Thursday on the quarterback battle during AAC football media day.

Malzahn reiterated his plan to wait to name a starter until after the first two scrimmages of UCF's fall camp that kicks off Sunday when the players report and start practice Monday.

Malzahn, who's entering his second year at UCF after coaching at Auburn from 2013-20, shared how some quarterback battles he's handed have gone in the past.

"In my experience with quarterbacks, naming [a starter], setting a date and all of that, it's really tough," Malzahn said. "Usually there's a time in fall camp that something happens where everyone on the team knows who the starting quarterback is and a lot of the times the coach doesn't even have to say anything.
"So we're hoping that happens," Malzahn added.

Keene took over the starting job last season after former UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel suffered a broken collarbone in the third week of the season.

A true freshman a year ago, Keene struggled at times but got better as the season went on. After throwing 6 interceptions in his first five starts, Keene wasn't picked off once in the final five.

He finished with more than 1,700 yards through the air completing 63% of his passes including 17 touchdowns.

Following the season, UCF added Plumlee from Ole Miss through the NCAA Transfer Portal.

While Plumlee made eight starts for the Rebels at quarterback in 2019 and set the Ole Miss freshman rushing record with 1,023 yards as well as total touchdowns with 16 that year, he switched to wide receiver for the past two seasons.

Looking to play quarterback again, Plumlee then transferred to UCF ahead of the spring.

Malzahn spoke about each quarterback during media day and how they've improved.

"Mikey is much improved from last year as far as his strength, his speed and everything that goes with it," he said. "John Rhys is a guy that is extremely quick running the football. He has great speed.

"Each [spring] practice he got better at throwing the football," Malzahn added. He hadn't played quarterback in a year and a half."

Regardless of who wins the starting job, Malzahn expressed his confidence in either option.

"The good thing is we have two guys that we can win with," he said. "I'm really excited about going into this season with those two guys and hopefully, we can name a starter sooner than later."

It truly is a new era in UCF football. Local talent staying home. Seriously, people, college football in our own backyard. Big 12. It's going to be real tough to get tickets. Get season tix now. I have them and get emails from UCF Athletics saying you ain't getting tix next year unless a season ticket now. The games I can't make I sell online and make a profit. Going to the games are part rock concert and part football game.


DT John Walker commits to UCF over Florida, Miami, Michigan & Ohio State



Edited: 07/28/2022 at 06:29 PM by Central Floridave

Top cornerback recruit Braeden Marshall commits to the UCF Knights.

For the class of 2023, the UCF Knights are now up to nine verbal commitments with the addition of Lake Mary (Fla.) cornerback Braeden Marshall. He's the third commitment of the week, joining John Walker and Grant Reddick.

He released a top three recently without UCF. The three schools were

Living just north of Orlando in Seminole County, Marshall was a player that UCF Head Football Coach Gus Malzahn and his assistant coaching staff offered early in the process. They were not alone in doing so.

Offers came rolling in from across the country including North Carolina, Clemson, Florida State, Miami, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Penn State among others.

In the end, Marshall announced his college commitment to the Knights, live on Instagram.

The 5-foot-11 and 185-pound cornerback could play a traditional corner position for the UCF defense, or he good make a home at nickel cornerback. Either way, or both, UCF is picking up another top recruit from the state of Florida.

UCF Football WR Kobe Hudson: 'I've never seen this much talent' ???

Aug 5, 2022 Kobe Hudson and Javon Baker, formerly at Auburn and Alabama respectively, will now team up with Ryan O'Keefe to form one of the best wide receiving trios in the conference.

This portal means nothing is certain until kickoff. UCF may need a bigger bouncier house.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

The article had to be written:

SEC Unfiltered: UCF's Gus Malzahn gets the last laugh over Auburn football
Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY NETWORK
Thu, August 11, 2022 at 4:49 PM·2 min read

https://news.yahoo.com/sec-unf...malzahn-204953270.html

I am sure that Gus does think it is funny that he got paid 21mil to leave the steaming pile, that he created, and let Harsin inherit it.

-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

Edited: 08/12/2022 at 06:14 AM by LBLarry

What are the odds of UCF facing Dillon Gabriel's OU team in 2023?

UCF vs Oklahoma is a possibility with DG. It will be interesting how Dillon Gab does for the sooners. He is a great passer and player. I was sad to see him go. But, he's dead to me now...

Yes, the irony of Gus losing to UCF then get paid 21 million, then is head coach of UCF is a bit of steamy one. Auburn will recover I'm sure. All I know is Gus is a step up from Heupel.

What I'm hoping for is UCF repeats what Cincy did last year and get lined up with Bama in the playoffs. Ole' Gus Malzhan vs Bama would be interesting. He is 3-5 against Saban.

Lots of stuff to play out though. in my opinion UCF is going to be a force this year. Gonna turn some heads. Houston is the AAC favorite followed by Cincy. If by chance, UCF can run the table and meet a undefeated Houston in conf playoff...then we can see some shake up in the system! Glad my team is in the hunt rather than not even being mentioned...

A sport's talk radio guy who I listen to said he thinks the Miami Hurricanes are the best team in the State now. Great Qb and of course great coach. We will see. I'm pulling for all the Florida teams this year. Minus FAU and USF as they are on UCF schedule.


Edited: 08/12/2022 at 10:19 AM by Central Floridave

Gus Malzahn Names John Rhys Plumlee UCF's Starting Quarterback
Ole Miss transfer John Rhys Plumlee named UCF's starting quarterback.
BRIAN SMITH2 HOURS AGO

https://www.si.com/college/ucf...RZHjjz3ilWmX3WhoTOQ7yI

Plumlee's from Hattiesburg, Ms. Almost signed with Georgia but instead went to Mississippi to play both football and baseball.

I haven't seen him play yet, just short practice vids. But, they say Plumlee he is a dangerous runner.

Who is UCF playing first?

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

South Carolina State on a thursday night game.

then Louisville visits UCF the following week on a friday night game.

2022 schedule

Date Opponent
Sept. 1 (Thur.) SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
Sept. 9 (Fri.) LOUISVILLE
Sept. 17 @Florida Atlantic
Sept. 24 GEORGIA TECH
Oct. 1 SMU*
Oct. 13 (Thur.) TEMPLE*
Oct. 22 @East Carolina*
Oct. 29 CINCINNATI*
Nov. 5 @Memphis*
Nov. 12 @Tulane*
Nov. 19 NAVY*
Nov. 25/26 (Fri./Sat.) @SOUTH FLORIDA*
Dec. 3 AAC Championship Game
*American Athletic Conference game

UL 20 UCf 14 with 5 minutes to go.

Whoever wins this game doesn't matter. Both teams are not that good.

Bubble bursted

Townsend cost them then game.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

UCF basically shot themselves in the foot. Horrible game to watch. Too many penalties, too many dropsies. Louisville defense was really good.

Two Td's called back due to holding.

Back to the drawing board Malzhan....Conference championship is still in focus, but that ugly loss last night really deflated my hyper UCF is great balloon.

FSU @Louisville next weekend will be an interesting matchup.

Edited: 09/10/2022 at 05:26 AM by Central Floridave

Self-inflicted loses are always the most painful. But props for posting and not going radio silent.

PLUS it could be worse ..... you could be Scotty Frost.



-------------------------
"Most people would die sooner than think; in fact, they do." - Bertrand Russell


"Morality is doing what is right, regardless of what you are told. Religion is doing what you are told, regardless of what is right.


If I do not answer you .... nothing personal, I just have you on ignore.

I see Tulane and Georgia tech making trouble for UCF. Your schedule is no cake walk.

-------------------------

"One of the reasons why propaganda tries to get you to hate government is because it's the one existing institution in which people can participate to some extent and constrain tyrannical unaccountable power." Noam Chomsky.

After seeing Marshall take out Notre Dame, Georgia Southern take out Nebraska, and Appy State with Texas A&M...anything is possible now.

Coach Gus Malzhan was asked today in a press conference about these wins. He said with the new transfer portal rules we are seeing more parity.

UCF looked horrible in beating Georgia Tech. GT beat themselves. If this is UCF's best recruiting class in history, I'd hate to watch them in a bad year.

GaTech coach Geoff Collins fired.

UCF has to play better offense coming up! SMU game got moved from Saturday to Sunday, 1pm. SMU will be a tough test for UCF. We have a good defense, and offense is great at running. But passing needs improved.



Can the Knights Weather the Storm to Stampede Past Mustangs?
To account for hurricane Ian, UCF will be hosting SMU at 1:00pm EDT Sunday in what could be their toughest opponent this season.

By TheSoTG@TheSoTG Sep 29, 2022, 9:26pm EDT 0 Comments / 0 New

https://www.blackandgoldbanner...stampede-past-mustangs

Game moved to Wednesday night.

College Football is crazy. After firing the head coach.

Georgia Tech 26 #24 Pittsburgh 21 Final

fyi, UCF vs SMU game has been moved to Wednesday night.

Today was signing day for High School kids. UCF did really good. Got some playas signed. Also, doing very well in the transfer portal.

We lost the OC and the DC. They moved to North Carolina and Arkansas respectively. But, that didn't effect the recruits as most of them all signed.

Gus Malzhan's coaching tree extends out! Gus is a very good recruiter.

Exciting times for UCF football. Next season we will be in the Big 12.