Go Knights!

Last game under the AAC banner for Football.

Depleted Roster:
UCF has lost 10 players to the transfer portal. Of those 10: 3 Starters with significant playing time, 1 Backup with playing time and 6 guys with no playing time. Depth will likely be a factor with 13 Freshman cracking the 2-deep in this game.

Meanwhile, Duke has only lost 3 players to the transfer portal. All 3 were backups with playing time.

Coordinator-less UCF
UCF lost both OC and DC this month. DC was quickly replaced with an in-house promotion of Addison Williams. OC has yet to be filled. Gus Malzahn as the HC/OC should not be much different than any other UCF game this season. Malzahn has done the majority of the play-calling during his tenure and this game will be more of the same.

My Overall Feeling
Malzahn and staff were probably more focused on recruiting and replacing staff than the bowl prep. These extra practices are good for the young guys and developing talent. We saw practice leaks of Timmy McClain taking some snaps and getting reps in even though he is ineligible for this game. In my mind the emphasis has been UCF working on self-improvement and the system. I don't know how much game-planning against Duke there really has been. If UCF wins this game, its icing on the cake but I don't necessarily feel like that was the goal.

(12-27-2022 03:01 PM)ArmoredUpKnight Wrote:  I don't know how much game-planning against Duke there really has been. If UCF wins this game, its icing on the cake but I don't necessarily feel like that was the goal.

Very sad, if Malzahn is taking that approach.

Malzahn is 3-5 all-time in bowl games. I know a lot of Auburn fans who feel that AU was not fully engaged in the Peach Bowl 5 years ago, and of course UCF came in like they were playing for a National Championship.

UCF was clearly on a mission when they played the Gators in the Gasparilla last year. But may not be possible to get the same kind of energy/passion against Duke.

The truly great HC’s like Saban and Smart are able to motivate their teams to play at their peak no matter who the opponent is. Granted, no one ever put Malzahn in that category. We’ll see if he has his team up for a mid-level, low-profile bowl tomorrow.

Surprised to see Duke favored.
Let’s go Knights.

Finish strong Kinghts!

Let's go UCF.
















I just threw up a little bit.

(12-28-2022 09:14 AM)40smokingcannon Wrote:  Let's go UCF.
















I just threw up a little bit.

Excellent.
Let the hate flow though you!

For you directors cup geeks out there…
Defending champs UCF can take the *lead* for the first time this year with a win. (Memphis just moved into the lead by winning yesterday to pass Tulsa)

UCF should win this one. I'm rooting for y'all!

Does Duke flop in football too? Go Knights.

Let's Go Duke !!!!



Though my brother in heaven (UCF '91) will not be happy with me.

The X-Factor today for UCF is the return of Divaad "Newt" Wilson. Listed as a Safety on the 2-deep today, expect him to be everywhere and often.

Go Knights! Charge On!

It's time to kickass and chew bubblegum.

The Navy fake grass looks terrible in the 2pm winter sun.

Also, hats off to Duke for showing up.

Go Knights (for the last time, ever, lol)

Beautiful day, sparse crowd.

Upper decks are blocked off.

Duke fans are more in evidence from my seats.

(12-27-2022 03:01 PM)ArmoredUpKnight Wrote:  Last game under the AAC banner for Football.

Depleted Roster:
UCF has lost 10 players to the transfer portal. Of those 10: 3 Starters with significant playing time, 1 Backup with playing time and 6 guys with no playing time. Depth will likely be a factor with 13 Freshman cracking the 2-deep in this game.

Meanwhile, Duke has only lost 3 players to the transfer portal. All 3 were backups with playing time.

Coordinator-less UCF
UCF lost both OC and DC this month. DC was quickly replaced with an in-house promotion of Addison Williams. OC has yet to be filled. Gus Malzahn as the HC/OC should not be much different than any other UCF game this season. Malzahn has done the majority of the play-calling during his tenure and this game will be more of the same.

My Overall Feeling
Malzahn and staff were probably more focused on recruiting and replacing staff than the bowl prep. These extra practices are good for the young guys and developing talent. We saw practice leaks of Timmy McClain taking some snaps and getting reps in even though he is ineligible for this game. In my mind the emphasis has been UCF working on self-improvement and the system. I don't know how much game-planning against Duke there really has been. If UCF wins this game, its icing on the cake but I don't necessarily feel like that was the goal.

Pulling for the Knights! I think y'all will handle them.

What's going on with all defections?

Duke made that one look easy

Sent from my SM-G990U2 using Tapatalk

No Bowser.
No Newt.

Guess all the guys who declared for the NFL Draft are sitting out this bowl game despite being on the 2-deep.

(12-28-2022 02:12 PM)Pirate Rep Wrote:  What's going on with all defections?

Transfer Portal has taken a lot from UCF and given a lot to UCF. We seem to replace talent pretty quickly but it makes Bowl Games a tricky situation.