"UCF Sports Today with George O'Leary" aired this afternoon at 1 p.m. on My65. I just watched and transcribed my DVR recording. The show, hosted by Marc Daniels, was recorded on Friday.
"I thought the crowd was great," O'Leary said. "We just didn't bring the game we needed to bring from a defensive standpoint or offense. I think special teams had their moments. I think they played well except for the last play, allowed seepage in to block the kick. We've got a lot of work to do on the field and it showed up in some areas dramatically, what we didn't get done. Way too many big plays on defense from poor tackling and missed tackles. We've got to get that corrected quickly. Way too many tentative guys out there when I watch the tape.
"I thought offensively there were some bright spots. Passing game. I thought Justin did a great job as far as delivering the ball. A couple of the wide receivers did well. That wasn't an issue as much as establishing the running game. Those two areas, and defenisvely, the fundamentals of tackling. The other issue is jumpstarting our running game. That has to be a factor if we're going to be successful this year."
GOL then commented on the defensive line, which led to more comments about the defense in general.
"We've got to play better up front from a run standpoint. I thought we lost some gaps. We had guys trying to make plays instead of working the call. That vacated some gaps you can't do and led to some runs they shouldn't have had. Their backs ran hard and caught the ball in space. We had trouble corralling them. More of a standpoint of tentativeness than assignment wise. That can be corrected. The biggest thing is confidence in their tackling ability. You've got to run through tackles and wrap up when you tackle."
Now some comments regarding the offensive line.
"I thought they had issues. They protected very well in the passing game. Had a couple issues and let a wide rusher get through, but I was happy in the protection area. They were stout in that area. In the run game, got to create more movement. The running backs didn't do a great job of finding creases either. I said this last year and I'll say it this year. Everybody always looks at the offensive line. Sometimes the cutback is there and they don't hit it.
"We've got to look at blocking schemes we had in for that game. Overall it was disappointing. You can't rush 30 times for 46 yards and have 27 lost yards in the run game. We're allowing too much penetration up front. It's something we have to correct and get better in.
"As I told the team last night, where you correct that is through practice. You've got to practice with that tempo. We've got a big game coming up with good players attacking us. We've got to shore up some of the offense. Obviously defensively, we've got to do things we believe in here. Be aggressive to the ball and when you get there make sure you make tackles."
Video package of first half highlights are shown.
"We went in at halftime and made the corrections we had to make. We had other opportunities to put points on the board in the first half. We've got to make short yardage plays and didn't do that. Let people hang around. You can't do that in football. It's 0-0 going out (in the second half), let's go. That first series is always critical in the second half. We started the game defensively allowing a 16-play drive which you can't do, had three or four third downs. You've got to make plays. Then allowed a 15-play drive in the second half. Missed tackles and poor play on third down. We have to watch film, get corrections made and regroup for the next game."
Marc asked if FIU changed anything defensively that led to offensive struggles with no points scored in the second half.
"Not really. I thought it was self destruction. That third-and-one was critical down there. A couple third downs we've got to make plays on. Defensively, I thought it was very tentative in the secondary. Way too much cushion in the passing game, allowing seven, eight yards. We've got to threaten those throws. When he did hold the ball we had enough pressure on him. We lost cage a couple times on the QB and he started running outside. We can't allow that from a defensive line standpoint.
"I thought the secondh alf was a game of opportunities. We allowed them to drive the ball down field. We've got to make plays on third down. When you have them in 3rd-and-10 and you let them draw the ball for a first down. We missed a tackle on that one. We need more guys going to the ball. That will be addressed with the team. The biggest issue in the second half is you can't let people hang around. When you have a chance to put the ball in the end zone, you can't have bad plays on both sides of the ball."
Second half highlights are shown, a few tackles and then a few of the completions in the final drive. The final sequence and blocked FG are not shown.
Marc made a comment about "Jordan Franks" having a nice game (misspoke) and GOL corrected him to say Jordan Akins.
"I wish Jordan Franks was available to play, he was injured.
"Jordan Akins, a good target. Tre'Quan did a nice job. A couple other guys he spread the ball too."
That led to comments about Justin Holman and then a more detailed explanation of the final sequence.
"I was happy with Justin. I thought he controlled the game well. He ran a great two-minute deal to get it down to the 23. That's a PAT. They have three timeouts with 1:45 left. Let's make them bang those timeouts. We weren't slowing them on defense. They were moving the ball. Kick a field goal, get up by two, let them use their timeouts. We lose six or seven yards, then the young kid allows too much penetration on the block at the end there.
"We had the opportunity to win the game in the fourth quarter. I said all week I thought it was going to be a tight game, just watching the team practice as far as some things I didn't feel real comfortable about. I was happy with the young receivers. I thought they did a good job. They're only going to get better. I was happy with the passing game. We gave up the one or two sacks, I thought they were young kids that did it. The ball needs to get out of there. I was more concerned defensively, the secondary allowing too much coverage and way too much yardage in some missed tackles in the run game."
Marc made a comment that many players were seeing their first real action. GOL said it was encouraging that they knew their assignments, then repeated everything he said previously about being more aggressive to the ball.
"Two areas, the run game obviously and defensively as far as being aggressive and securing tackles needs to improve. Way too much yardage on the ground and way too much in the air. Offensively we did some good things, but some things have to improve quickly."
GOL said he had confidence in the OL going into the game.
"I was pleased with the production of the offensive line during the preseason. The defensive line, I don't think either played as well as they can play. I thought the passing game was the bright spot in the game itself. All other areas need improvement. I thought for a first game, punted the ball well. Protected well. They had a very good return guy. We pinned him in pretty good. We had a lot of positives to grow in that game. We've got to regroup and move on to the next game."
The "Play of the Game" was the second TD to Akins.
GOL said that play was a "nice job" and that was the "last real bright spot as far as putting the ball in the end zone."
They then showed a short clip of the Joey Grant feature from the "Inside UCF Football" TV show.
"I think he's done a great job in the classroom. I'm happy to have him back fully. He really has that experience out there. He needs to be the leader of that offense. That's what's critical."
Marc mentions the importance of academics, etc. GOL says most guys won't make it in the NFL so they need a meaningful degree. He mentioned the national ranking in graduation rate. He adds you need to recruit players who have a good academic background or else they'll have trouble when they get to UCF.
The show was recorded on Friday, so GOL had no idea what was going to happen the next day with Stanford losing to Northwestern.
"That's a big team, a ranked team, we're looking forward to the game. We've got a lot of work to get done, correction wise. Then we'll get into the game plan with Stanford. We have to play very well. Improve in all areas. That's what the chore is this week, make our corrections and get the game plan in. Play a great team. That's why I enjoy college football, playing ranked teams."
In the final question of the show, Marc asks about concerns playing a late game on the West Coast.
"The adjustment is we don't play until 10:30 our time, but most kids are going out at that time so we should be fine. The problem is when we're coming back. We don't get back until 9:45 the next morning. That will be an adjustment. The biggest thing is correcting mistakes, make sure we understand the game plan against a very good ranked Stanford team. We'll have to play very well to be involved in that game."
End of show.
I then watched the 30-minute episode of "Inside UCF Football." Adam Shadoff of Fox 35 is the host. First feature was about Joey Grant, then a coach feature about Brent Key. It was more into Key's "home life" which clips of his new wife, Danielle, his dog "Bear" and his passion of baseball card/baseball memorabilia collecting.
In showing the baseball stuff, Key went through several albums of early 1990s baseball cards. I recognized an autographed Mickey Mantle baseball on a shelf as well as a Mickey Mantle Sports Impressions figure from the early 1990s. Several late 1980s/1990s Kenner Starting Lineups in the package displayed on the wall, including Bo Jackson and Nolan Ryan. He mentioned how he'd go to Birmingham Barons games as a youth hoping to get autographs of future MLB stars. It was also mentioned that he has a collection of a "thousand" unopened baseball card packs.
The final part of the show as Joey Grant talking about his childhood and career in football (with family photographs shown), a feature on the strength program and then a final feature about the Carl Cabana and new TVs in the concourse. David Hansen and Jimmy Skiles among those interviewed.
Good stuff - I think UCF may post individual clips on Youtube later.
"I thought the crowd was great," O'Leary said. "We just didn't bring the game we needed to bring from a defensive standpoint or offense. I think special teams had their moments. I think they played well except for the last play, allowed seepage in to block the kick. We've got a lot of work to do on the field and it showed up in some areas dramatically, what we didn't get done. Way too many big plays on defense from poor tackling and missed tackles. We've got to get that corrected quickly. Way too many tentative guys out there when I watch the tape.
"I thought offensively there were some bright spots. Passing game. I thought Justin did a great job as far as delivering the ball. A couple of the wide receivers did well. That wasn't an issue as much as establishing the running game. Those two areas, and defenisvely, the fundamentals of tackling. The other issue is jumpstarting our running game. That has to be a factor if we're going to be successful this year."
GOL then commented on the defensive line, which led to more comments about the defense in general.
"We've got to play better up front from a run standpoint. I thought we lost some gaps. We had guys trying to make plays instead of working the call. That vacated some gaps you can't do and led to some runs they shouldn't have had. Their backs ran hard and caught the ball in space. We had trouble corralling them. More of a standpoint of tentativeness than assignment wise. That can be corrected. The biggest thing is confidence in their tackling ability. You've got to run through tackles and wrap up when you tackle."
Now some comments regarding the offensive line.
"I thought they had issues. They protected very well in the passing game. Had a couple issues and let a wide rusher get through, but I was happy in the protection area. They were stout in that area. In the run game, got to create more movement. The running backs didn't do a great job of finding creases either. I said this last year and I'll say it this year. Everybody always looks at the offensive line. Sometimes the cutback is there and they don't hit it.
"We've got to look at blocking schemes we had in for that game. Overall it was disappointing. You can't rush 30 times for 46 yards and have 27 lost yards in the run game. We're allowing too much penetration up front. It's something we have to correct and get better in.
"As I told the team last night, where you correct that is through practice. You've got to practice with that tempo. We've got a big game coming up with good players attacking us. We've got to shore up some of the offense. Obviously defensively, we've got to do things we believe in here. Be aggressive to the ball and when you get there make sure you make tackles."
Video package of first half highlights are shown.
"We went in at halftime and made the corrections we had to make. We had other opportunities to put points on the board in the first half. We've got to make short yardage plays and didn't do that. Let people hang around. You can't do that in football. It's 0-0 going out (in the second half), let's go. That first series is always critical in the second half. We started the game defensively allowing a 16-play drive which you can't do, had three or four third downs. You've got to make plays. Then allowed a 15-play drive in the second half. Missed tackles and poor play on third down. We have to watch film, get corrections made and regroup for the next game."
Marc asked if FIU changed anything defensively that led to offensive struggles with no points scored in the second half.
"Not really. I thought it was self destruction. That third-and-one was critical down there. A couple third downs we've got to make plays on. Defensively, I thought it was very tentative in the secondary. Way too much cushion in the passing game, allowing seven, eight yards. We've got to threaten those throws. When he did hold the ball we had enough pressure on him. We lost cage a couple times on the QB and he started running outside. We can't allow that from a defensive line standpoint.
"I thought the secondh alf was a game of opportunities. We allowed them to drive the ball down field. We've got to make plays on third down. When you have them in 3rd-and-10 and you let them draw the ball for a first down. We missed a tackle on that one. We need more guys going to the ball. That will be addressed with the team. The biggest issue in the second half is you can't let people hang around. When you have a chance to put the ball in the end zone, you can't have bad plays on both sides of the ball."
Second half highlights are shown, a few tackles and then a few of the completions in the final drive. The final sequence and blocked FG are not shown.
Marc made a comment about "Jordan Franks" having a nice game (misspoke) and GOL corrected him to say Jordan Akins.
"I wish Jordan Franks was available to play, he was injured.
"Jordan Akins, a good target. Tre'Quan did a nice job. A couple other guys he spread the ball too."
That led to comments about Justin Holman and then a more detailed explanation of the final sequence.
"I was happy with Justin. I thought he controlled the game well. He ran a great two-minute deal to get it down to the 23. That's a PAT. They have three timeouts with 1:45 left. Let's make them bang those timeouts. We weren't slowing them on defense. They were moving the ball. Kick a field goal, get up by two, let them use their timeouts. We lose six or seven yards, then the young kid allows too much penetration on the block at the end there.
"We had the opportunity to win the game in the fourth quarter. I said all week I thought it was going to be a tight game, just watching the team practice as far as some things I didn't feel real comfortable about. I was happy with the young receivers. I thought they did a good job. They're only going to get better. I was happy with the passing game. We gave up the one or two sacks, I thought they were young kids that did it. The ball needs to get out of there. I was more concerned defensively, the secondary allowing too much coverage and way too much yardage in some missed tackles in the run game."
Marc made a comment that many players were seeing their first real action. GOL said it was encouraging that they knew their assignments, then repeated everything he said previously about being more aggressive to the ball.
"Two areas, the run game obviously and defensively as far as being aggressive and securing tackles needs to improve. Way too much yardage on the ground and way too much in the air. Offensively we did some good things, but some things have to improve quickly."
GOL said he had confidence in the OL going into the game.
"I was pleased with the production of the offensive line during the preseason. The defensive line, I don't think either played as well as they can play. I thought the passing game was the bright spot in the game itself. All other areas need improvement. I thought for a first game, punted the ball well. Protected well. They had a very good return guy. We pinned him in pretty good. We had a lot of positives to grow in that game. We've got to regroup and move on to the next game."
The "Play of the Game" was the second TD to Akins.
GOL said that play was a "nice job" and that was the "last real bright spot as far as putting the ball in the end zone."
They then showed a short clip of the Joey Grant feature from the "Inside UCF Football" TV show.
"I think he's done a great job in the classroom. I'm happy to have him back fully. He really has that experience out there. He needs to be the leader of that offense. That's what's critical."
Marc mentions the importance of academics, etc. GOL says most guys won't make it in the NFL so they need a meaningful degree. He mentioned the national ranking in graduation rate. He adds you need to recruit players who have a good academic background or else they'll have trouble when they get to UCF.
The show was recorded on Friday, so GOL had no idea what was going to happen the next day with Stanford losing to Northwestern.
"That's a big team, a ranked team, we're looking forward to the game. We've got a lot of work to get done, correction wise. Then we'll get into the game plan with Stanford. We have to play very well. Improve in all areas. That's what the chore is this week, make our corrections and get the game plan in. Play a great team. That's why I enjoy college football, playing ranked teams."
In the final question of the show, Marc asks about concerns playing a late game on the West Coast.
"The adjustment is we don't play until 10:30 our time, but most kids are going out at that time so we should be fine. The problem is when we're coming back. We don't get back until 9:45 the next morning. That will be an adjustment. The biggest thing is correcting mistakes, make sure we understand the game plan against a very good ranked Stanford team. We'll have to play very well to be involved in that game."
End of show.
I then watched the 30-minute episode of "Inside UCF Football." Adam Shadoff of Fox 35 is the host. First feature was about Joey Grant, then a coach feature about Brent Key. It was more into Key's "home life" which clips of his new wife, Danielle, his dog "Bear" and his passion of baseball card/baseball memorabilia collecting.
In showing the baseball stuff, Key went through several albums of early 1990s baseball cards. I recognized an autographed Mickey Mantle baseball on a shelf as well as a Mickey Mantle Sports Impressions figure from the early 1990s. Several late 1980s/1990s Kenner Starting Lineups in the package displayed on the wall, including Bo Jackson and Nolan Ryan. He mentioned how he'd go to Birmingham Barons games as a youth hoping to get autographs of future MLB stars. It was also mentioned that he has a collection of a "thousand" unopened baseball card packs.
The final part of the show as Joey Grant talking about his childhood and career in football (with family photographs shown), a feature on the strength program and then a final feature about the Carl Cabana and new TVs in the concourse. David Hansen and Jimmy Skiles among those interviewed.
Good stuff - I think UCF may post individual clips on Youtube later.
