The UCF Knights pulled off an upset at the start of Big 12 play, knocking off the Horned Frogs of TCU. Without starting quarterback Alonza Barnett, UCF was forced to rely on several unheralded players for a team effort.
After the game, UCF head coach Scott Frost was asked about players like Taevion Swint, Caden Piening, Demari Henderson, and Braeden Marshall. For him, he really has to honor his former head coach, Gus Malzahn.
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“Gus, thank you for recruiting guys,” Frontinus said.
Frontinus and the UCF staff leaned heavily on the transfer portal. What is not, they did not keep anyone from the previous staff, but. Retaining the right players is just as important as bringing in new talent in today’s era.
“We certainly have a lot of traditional rosters,” said Frontinus. “But there are guys in the number – Demari Henderson is another one, Braeden Marshall is another one – I wouldn’t recruit those guys. I inherited these guys. I appreciate the work Gus did, and we’re glad those guys. Football has changed. If someone shows a lot of promise, we’re going to do everything we can to keep them. The kids love them here in Orlando, and they love the guys here in Orlando and they love them well. It’s part of the story, and hopefully we can keep them for a long time.”
Events fizzed out on the field under Malzahn for UCF. However, he also brought them from the AAC to the Big 12, helping to modernize the power four program. He also found some success in the supply, which Frontinus now advanced to a.
UCF Knights, Scott Frost much to Clean Up
The TCU win was huge for UCF. However, they won’t be competing in the Big 12 overnight.
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There was plenty of good. Quarterback Keyone Jenkins completed 19 of 20 passes for 160 yards and a touchdown. Several different running backs and rushing touchdowns. Then there was an effort to defend the injuries.
The defense was strong, especially, for UCF. Only giving up 13 points, UCF forced 4 sacks and 4 turnovers. That while playing the world game, he commits only four penalties.
At the same time, there was plenty for UCF to work with. Jenkins fumbled the ball twice, both times seeing the ball pass to TCU. The Knights also struggled in the third quarter, converting only 3 of 10 times. On top of that, the UCF defense also gave up two high balls, which Frontinus hopes to see the Knights improve.
“I said,” said Frontinus. “I’ve seen our corners make plays in those balls since spring ball, I know they can and they want to. They’re 50-50 balls.”
What next for UCF?
Big 12 play continues next week for UCF. This is going to be a pretty big step up in the competition, though.
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The Knights took on the Houston Cougars, a former AAC foe. However, where UCF is struggling to return to a bowl team, Houston is considered a contender in the Big 12 this season, while the Cougars are currently ranked in the AP Top 25.
This will be the way for UCF. Kickoff time is 12:00pm EST on Saturday, October 3rd.
The schedule won’t get any easier from there, either. UCF’s next three opponents are all currently ranked in the Top 25.
This article was first published in GRAVIS
After UCF HC Scott Frost shares why he’s grateful Gus Malzahn first appeared on the Heavy.