Both large party suites went unused...plus at least 5 of the regular suites were empty for last night's game.

Kind of sad...as these games with BIG crowds are exciting as heck.

Since December 4 opens the portal thought a thread was ended not just qb.

We need QB at least 1 if not 2. Timmy stinks and was a bad signing. Singleton would be better. That fcs qb has bust written all over him.
UCF needs:

O line(2 minimum)

D line(god please no fcs guys. Verse was a rarity most bust on d line. 2 minimum)

Running back(1 bellcow)

Wide receiver(2 minimum)

Linebacker(3 minimum)

We’ll see if SJ is as big of a pos as his parents and stealing our money or if “the kingdom” is serious.

I'm seeing tickets listed for like $3, $4, $5 (before fees) for top 25 teams like Baylor and Oklahoma. Can't believe it but I think its genius to sell low right now to get packed houses for every Big 12 game. These are resale tickets so did someone buy up all the tickets at normal price and is now reselling them for dirt cheap?

Yikes

Maybe we don’t want this dude back at UCF

Fortunately I think our QB situation is a little more clear cut than in the past

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This guy puts out some pretty good content and his latest video dives into CFB recruiting rankings and how they relate to NFL success. I figure this crowd would enjoy the watch.

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Another set of kids able to transfer

You probably watched the interview, but here are the quotes:

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Things have come full circle for KJ Jefferson.

Coming out of high school in the Class of 2019, Jefferson idolized Cam Newton and aspired to play at Auburn for Newton's college coach Gus Malzahn, but the Tigers already had a commitment from Bo Nix and weren't planning to take a second quarterback.

Five years later, the Malzahn-Jefferson connection is becoming a reality at UCF.

Jefferson, a multi-year starter at Arkansas and one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal, recently made the decision to come to Orlando to play his final season for the Malzahn-led Knights.

Talk us through this decision process. You were at Arkansas for a long time and hit the portal. I'm not sure if Gus Malzahn recruited you out of high school or not. What did you ultimately choose to come to UCF?

"Coach Malzahn is a very genuine guy. On the field, I love the way he coaches. I love him off the field as a person. Coming out of high school, I wanted to play for him but Auburn was only taking one quarterback in their 2019 class. It's a blessing that it's now come full circle and I can be here now and he can coach me. I know I can do great things in his system. That was another reason, knowing I can flourish in his system."

We can watch your highlights, but describe your style of play.

"Extending plays, making plays, making sure I'm getting the ball in the playmakers' hands. Whether that's me breaking a tackle, or that's me making a guy miss. Trying to create explosive (plays) and get the ball in my playmakers' hands."

You have a big set of shoulders. What's your opinion on contact? Taking it and dishing it out.

"A lot of guys don't like hitting big quarterbacks or big guys, period. So I try to use that to my advantage. Try to just kind of lean on them, because they'll get tired before I get tired. So that's my philosophy, just going into it. I don't shy away from contact, but I will be smart. I won't make dumb decisions and put my body at risk to have me sit out a couple games. So I do want to be smart about the hits that I do take and the hits that I do give out."

You've played a lot of football in the SEC. What do you still want to prove to people in your final year of eligibility?

"That I'm a quarterback. I'm a quarterback. That's the main thing, going into it. I want people to see that I'm a quarterback. I'm not any other position they may say I can play. Me as a person and me as an athlete, I know what I am and that's to be the quarterback."

What are some other reasons why you chose UCF?

"The playmakers on this team. Just me talking to them. When I came on the visit, Coach Malzahn turned on the film and I saw everybody out there giving relentless effort. Nobody was selfish. Everybody's feeding off each other's energy and just loving each other. I just want to come and be a part of that brotherhood and also bring some leadership in as well."

Who are a few guys that popped off that film when you took a look at it during your visit?

"RJ Harvey, Kobe Hudson, Javon Baker, Xavier Townsend, Randy (Pittman). Those guys and of course the big guys up front as well. The things that they do upfront, protection-wise, and making sure they're communicating with the quarterback. I saw John Rhys (Plumlee) communicating and things of that nature. I just want to come in as another piece with my experience and try to be a part of this brotherhood."

What was the ultimate pitch that made you want to come here to UCF?

"The pitch was when he had a quarterback like me, he's done big things. I want to be a part of those great quarterbacks that he's had."

What was your high school recruitment like? You said you wanted to play for Coach Malzahn at Auburn, but they were only taking one quarterback that year and already had a commitment. Were you maybe compared to other quarterbacks that Coach Malzahn has coached?

"There was. Growing up a Cam Newton fan and watching the things he did with Cam. I always wanted to model myself after him. To be able to walk in those footsteps like Cam, I got to go to the head guy which is Coach Malzahn. It's a blessing how things have come full circle and to be in this position right now."

Was Cam Newton a quarterback you grew up watching?

"Growing up, the quarterback I watched was Michael Vick. I liked Vick. Then in high school, it was more Cam. I got the comparison and similarities."

You mentioned John Rhys. Do you have contact with him during your recruitment? He's also from Mississippi.

"Like you said, we're both from Mississippi, so we look out for one another. He just told me that Orlando was going to be a great spot and Coach Malzahn, just believe and trust in him. That was the main thing. I just thank him for that, giving me the advice."

Seeing John Rhys' development this year, did that play a role in your decision?

"It did. He's been able to go from quarterback to receiver then back to quarterback. Just the development that he's had here and the success that he's had here as well. Just being able to grit it out, come here and do big things and win big games."

What advantage do you see in the transfer portal?

"Just guys getting a new start. Being able to write a new chapter of their own book. Being able to get a fresh start, a new change of scenery. Sometimes you need a fresh start and a new change of scenery to be able to get your career back on track.

KJ, how difficult was your decision and what other schools were after you?

"Once I came on a visit here, me and my mom on the way back, I kind of knew this was the best place for me. Just believing in Coach Malzahn and the coaching staff, I knew it would be the best spot. As for other schools recruiting me, I had Florida State, Miami and TCU just to name a few."

What are your expectations for next season?

"The main thing on my mind is coming in to gain everybody's trust. That's my thing, from the coaching staff down to the players. I want to come in and earn that trust. That's my expectation, coming in and earning that trust. Knowing they can count on me in clutch situations and I can count on them. We all just hold each other accountable. The great teams are player-led teams. We can rely on each other and hold each other to a higher standard that way. When things do happen, us players can address the situation."

This year UCF gets an opportunity to beat Florida in the Swamp, something you have experience doing at Arkansas. What confidence can you share with the team?

"That it's going to be a battle. It's going to be a four-quarter battle. Heading into that game, we have to be on an even keel. Don't get too high or too low. Make sure everybody is on the same mindset. Even if things go the wrong way and we hit adversity, how we're gonna respond, that's the main thing. So just being able to have that confidence and that level of maturity."

What do you remember from that game when you beat Florida?

"Like I said, even-keeled. We had a great start, then we got a little mediocre and turned the ball over. So just being able to bounce back. Like I said, accountability. Just holding each other to a higher standard. Knowing we're here for a reason and we're going to come out victorious, no matter what. We just got to come together as one and lean on each other."

Speaking of big wins, you were at Addition Financial Arena for the win against Kansas. What did you think of the court storming and the big win?

"I actually ran out there as well. It was a great atmosphere. My first time being in Orlando, first time at a basketball event, and for the basketball team to come out and get a big victory over Kansas was big time. And like I said, the atmosphere was great. I loved it, and can't wait for football season."

You said earlier that you want to prove that you're a quarterback. What did you mean by that? What do you want to prove to the rest of the nation and accomplish in your final season at UCF?

"A lot of people say I'm a runner. I want to become a passer. Anybody can throw the ball, but can you pass it efficiently That's my main goal, just being able to pass the ball efficiently down the field. Just getting the ball to the playmakers and letting those guys make plays. That's the main thing I want to do this season."

How important was it for UCF to be returning so many key players?

"It was extremely important. It was one of the things I did look at, who was coming back. Coach Malzahn was very transparent with me about who was coming back. The main thing he did was show me film. I could see it for myself and know these are very talented guys that I can play with, earn their trust and do this together."

What do you think about playing in the Big 12?

"I'm looking forward to it. I've been in the SEC, so I'm looking forward it and having a great successful season, having fun with my teammates and coaches as well."

It's a safe bet to assume Big 12 games will occur on the non-ACC Fridays, there's also the possibility of late windows too with the incoming PAC schools + BYU.

Thursday games seem to go more towards the AAC lately rather than P4, though there are three ACC games here. Friday games have been more P4 than G5 (maybe an occasional AAC).

The Big 12 could occupy some of these Friday prime time EST slots:

Week 3
Week 6
Week 7
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14 is Black Friday

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Four Big 12 Teams Listed in 247Sports’ Top 10 Easiest Football Schedules

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FIXIN' FOOSBALL: @Brandon asked Gus about his take on the CFB calendar during Gus's last press conference. It will be interesting to see what Gus has to say when he introduces the new transfers later this month or on NSD in February.


BIG GROUP: As of today, UCF is bringing in the fourth largest contingency of new players among Big 12 teams for 2024. Arizona State and TCU each are bringing in 40 new players, transfers and incoming freshmen combined; Cincinnati sits at 37 newcomers and UCF, at 34.

HEARD NOTHING: Former UCF WR Coach Grant Heard is no longer listed on UCF's staff directory, but no news has been released regarding the coaching search for his replacement:


MOVING AND SHAKING: Gus Malzahn has made significant moves this offseason, changing a coordinator for the third consecutive season. Whether Heard is the final domino remains to be seen. UCF will likely name a replacement within the next seven days.

MONEY MATTERS: Utah coach Kyle Whittingham reportedly said privately that the Utes needs approximately $7 million per year “to fund a championship-level roster" ... and at least $500,000 of that $7 million total goes to the quarterback. Seventh-year signal-caller Cam Rising has the potential to earn up to $1.5 million this season. UCF's KJ Jefferson probably commanded $500k+. Y'all better keep them Kingdom NIL coins flowing if you want to stay relevant. SJ needs a brand new pair of shoes! Gus "can show you the Web site."

Final Rivals250 for 2024 class: https://n.rivals.com/prospect_rankings/rivals250/2024

Top 10 risers in final ranking: https://n.rivals.com/news/rivals-rankings-week-ten-biggest-risers-in-the-rivals250-17

Gorney's thoughts: https://n.rivals.com/news/tuesdays-with-gorney-final-2024-rivals250-released

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Welcome to The Knighted One’s Podcast, Episode number 22. We are the ONLY podcast that features a former UCF National Champion, a former UCF radio host, and several podcasters shooting the breeze, talking UCF Sports.

This week Roger Yells at Scary Terry, we talk ucf hoops, football news, the ACC meltdown, the college football landscape, we discuss the New Tower Survey, and Allen Adjusts His Mic Super Loudly!

Please comment subjects that we should cover in our Student Re-Education segment!

Introductions
Text Talk: Hoops – 04:16
UCF Beats Texas! But Falls To Houston? – 09:33
- Doubling Down The Horns Down!
- Serving Up Longhorn
- Strats & Stats
- Utilizing The Turning Points
- Acting Like We've Never Been Here Before
- Roger Yells At Scary Terry
- Horns Was The Tipping Point
- Just Practicing Pageantry
- Dogfight In Houston
- Defense Vs Defense
- Too Much Hesi
- Home sWeet Home?
UCF Football Talk – 52:30
- Ethan Barr Arrives From Afar
- Breaking The Top 10
- A Great Roof Over Our Heads
- Co-Pilot Addison
- Not a Demotion, More Of a Mentorship
- Grant (No Longer) Heard
- "SURVEY SAYS!"
- Business Oriented Pleasures
P4 In Turmoil – 01:18:30
- ACC Madhouse
- A Sinking Ship
- And Then There Were 3?
- The Sponsored Writings On The Wall
- Our Conference Seat In Troubled Waters?
Allen’s Oxymoronic Stats Of The Week – 01:33:29
- A Depressing Field Goal Performance
Josh’s Sometimes Funny Fact Of The Week – 01:35:08
- John Denver In The Big 12
UCF Athletic Sports Update – 01:39:06
- Women's Hoops Still In a Slump
- UCF Women's & Men's Tennis Continue To Dominate
Final Thoughts – 01:41:10

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#ucf , #ucffootball , #ucfsports ,#tk1 , #ucfhoops #ucfwomensbasketball #ucfvolleyball #ucfknights

Join Eric Lopez and Trace Trylko as they debate some of the current topics surrounding UCF Athletics.

In this episode, the guys discuss the latest addition to the UCF coaching staff, and what the hire does for expectations.

Men's hoops has been on a roller coaster this past week, and the guys try to make sense of the season so far.

Plus: Can I get a billboard, was Rodney really sorry, girl scout cookies, and Trace takes on Broadway?

Thanks for clicking here to watch ... from the Sons of UCF.

After a Texas roadtrip, the UCF Knights Men's Basketball team returned to Orlando with a 72-59 win over the West Virginia Mountaineers.

Led by leading scoring Jaylin Sellers, and some stout defense from Ibrahima Diallo and Shemarri Allen, the Knights held a comfortable lead throughout the game.

After, head coach Johnny Dawkins spoke about his teams effort and energy.

Click here for Andrew Cherico's report for the Sons of UCF.

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This is way off topic, but we always like trying different and nicer restaurants when the wife and I travel and also like to check out Michelin star restaurants. Going to be back in Chicago in May and wanted to check out Symth restaurant as it's listed as 3 stars on the Michelin guide. It's on the pricey side at $350 a person but figured it's a one in a lifetime diner. I went to make a reservation and see that they add a 20% service charge, which I thought was fine if it covers gratuity, but they specifically point out that this fee doesn't include tax and tip. Not sure if I really want to add an additional 50% to a $700 bill. Has anyone ever dined here and if so, is it worth it?

We were in New York last week and managed to get a reservation at the Amex Centurion restaurant, which they say is a 2 star. It was a decent meal but no where near the cost of Smyth.

Appreciate any local knowledge and suggestions for alternate restaurants. We go to Chicago two or three times a year and try to get out and try new places every time we're in town.

UCF Football - A Retrospective
Brings back lots of emotions as I was at many of these games

Link to article including the Citronaut as one of the best throwback logos in college football:

https://cfbselect.com/2024/01/24/best-throwback-logos-in-college-football/

What do you think? Do you agree?

?*

NEW: The Sons turn 250! Wow! We look at the week in hoops, football, and @UCFMike1 gets a quiz.

We are also joined by former QB Coach Mario Verduzco @Coach_Verdu to talk 2016-17 Knights.

Click here to listen.

Wife is looking to start paying our kids through her childrens clothing business (they model the children's clothes, it's legit). We want take advantage of the tax laws allowing for them to earn income based on standard deduction and then use the funds to pay for their schooling, after school activities and then save some. Any recommendations on best account to open for them, if needed? Don't want to create a complex paper trail but heard we can just issue a 1099 and show funds leaving account...doesn't matter where it goes. Is this accurate?

Bold strategy to tell one of your most clutch WRs to leave .
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What teams have enough cap space to sign him?

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Keep shoveling billionaires’ snow for free, you dumb marks