The University of Central Florida is not going to be in the Fiesta Bowl this year like they were after the 2013 season, but the Knights are hoping this fall is everything last fall was not. One of just three teams to not record a win in 2015, UCF is starting anew, under fresh leadership for the first time since 2004.
George O’Leary resigned after the first eight losses of last season and new head coach Scott Frost, the former Oregon Offensive coordinator. It will take time for the offensive guru to implement his system and recruit his style of players, but UCF fans are hoping and expecting him to return the program to the state it was in a few years ago. The Knights are not far removed from two AAC titles and their Fiesta Bowl win over Baylor.
In the meantime, even one win would be an improvement.
Senior quarterback Justin Holman has been named the Knights starter but of course was not recruited to play in an Oregon-style offense. Not good news for a team that averaged 13.9 points-per-game in 2015, third worst in the entire country. Holman has experience and saw the most snaps under center for UCF last year but only threw seven touchdowns against 14 interceptions.
Holman will have some help around him with sophomore wide out Tre’Quan Smith coming off a 52-catch, 724-yard season a year ago. Behind Holman will be a mix of young and old. Senior running back Dontravious Wilson and freshman Jawon Hamilton will split carries according to Frost.
Defensively, UCF needs to catch up to speed in a hurry. A very young defensive line, a new 3-4 defense and a tough schedule will be hard for the Knights to overcome if they allow anywhere near the 37.7 points-per-game they allowed in 2015. Trystan Hill, just 17 years-old will start on the defensive line and has impressed in summer practice.
UCF will count on its returning crop to return the program to respectability this year, and count on its new talent to give the coaching staff and fans a glimpse of the future. Michigan and Maryland will be early learning opportunities, but do not bet on UCF to be nearly the disaster it was last year.
Prediction: 4-8
