Okay, I realize that this may not be a popular column. It’s not going to be all puppy dogs and rainbows, but stick with me until the end and keep an open mind.
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here to read more from Brian W. Peterson ... for the Sons of UCF.
Sons of UCF is the brainchild of Adam Eaton and Michael Espinosa, two long-time friends and UCF alums, who also host the wildly popular Sons of UCF podcast.
www.sonsofucf.com
"Defense is still a HUGE question mark, offensive pieces gelling takes time and Gus STILL has the clipboard."
No. 1, Every national championship-winning program since Florida State 2013 has returned at least three of the four components: the head coach, offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator, and/or quarterback. UCF retained both its coordinators and its head coach--and upgraded at quarterback.
Advantage UCF.
No. 2, Defense is a question mark, specifically the pass defense, where UCF must replace every 2021 and 2022 starter, save part-timers Quadric Bullard and Brandon Adams, Bullard, Adams, Demari Henderson, and Braeden Marshall all started at times in 2023, but the secondary is going to be revamped overall. The defensive front should be among the best units in the Big 12, but will need to bring pressure (Chinese Fire Drill) to influence quarterbacks. Hence, the secondary will be tested often.
Disadvantage UCF
No. 3: It does take a few weeks for Gus to work out the kinks of the offense. Fortunately, UCF opens with two warm ups and a tough road game, followed by an off week to regroup and self scout.
Advantage UCF
No. 4: Having followed his career for more than a decade, I assure you Gus
"officially" having the clipboard is a great thing. Gus only takes the reigns back when he knows the offense is going to on point. He has 'scapegoat' OC's when uncertainty exists, which is obviously not the case here.
Advantage UCF
"... we never heard Coach Frost, or even Coach Heupel, say that we’re expecting a big season. They were always quick to temper expectations and talk about how the team will need to play well."
Advantage UCF
