I know this was discussed in this thread, but I decided to do a little recap for those who can't listen.
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UCF head coach Gus Malzahn appeared on 96.9 The Game's "The Bridge" Thursday morning, which is the segue between Mike Bianchi's "Open Mike" and Marc Daniels' "The Beat of Sports" radio programs. The Citronauts host Memphis on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The interview begins with a question about last week's family situation with his daughter and grandson. The daughter was admitted to the hospital a couple times after giving birth, but is now doing fine. The grandson's name is Gus and he acknowledged he already has a UCF football in his crib.
Bianchi asked about his post-Cincinnati comment when Gus said they'll "remember this day."
"We're going to get this going to exactly where we said we would," Malzahn said. "This is going to be a championship program, a program of the future. We got beat up pretty bad. When you're building the foundation of something, there's things that you'll look back on. See how much growth we're going to have after that. We got beat up pretty good. Cincinnati is an excellent team, first of all. They're a team capable of winning the whole thing. I really believe that. They're a complete team. But we didn't play well. They beat us up pretty good. It was embarrassing. I think it'll be one of those games, once we get to where we're gonna get, to look back and see the growth we've had."
Marc asked about the challenge of preparing on a short week for Memphis. They came in very early on Sunday to grade film, then met with the players. They didn't practice Sunday as they normally do. Coaches stay up a couple extra hours each night. It's a positive they're at home. Gus also mentions again how Memphis played Thursday so they have extra days to prepare.
Marc then asked for an update on Dillon Gabriel's timeline for return, noting Gus made a comment on the radio the other night and Dillon just posted photos to social media that had some fans believing a return was imminent.
"We're just hopeful he'll make it back before the end of the season," Malzahn said. "That's kind of been his goal. He's been working extremely hard. He's actually out there doing some running around an taking some snaps and things like that on his own, which I thought was a real positive. We're just taking it week by week. It's still gonna be a while. But just the fact he's back out there and he does have a chance to come back before the end of the season, I think that kind of gives everybody a shot in the arm."
Bianchi asked Gus directly, any thought to giving Joey Gatewood a shot at starting or will he stick with Mikey Keene?
"Mikey is growing," Malzahn said. "Joey brings a different element. Until we get Dillon back, we're going to do whatever it takes to win. You could possibly see both of them more on the field each game. We'll evaluate what gives us the best chance to be successful. Both of them present a different element for defenses."
Bianchi notes Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell had a rocky first year at 4-8, then began turning things around in year two, and how defense has been important for their rise. Gus agrees.
"We've had key injuries on defense," Malzahn said. "Obviously losing KD week before last was a really tough blow. We're gonna build this thing. In a short period of time, I really believe we'll have a big-time defense. Coach (Travis) Williams is doing a super job. The way we're recruiting right now, it's not going to take long to get this thing going. It really isn't. The fact we're going to another conference has really helped. We're building a great class. I think we'll be a very attractive place for transfers. We're already seeing that. The future is bright."
Gus then says he admires how Luke Fickell stuck with Cincinnati to build their program and didn't bolt at another opportunity.
Regarding the Memphis offense, Gus says they have to stop the run. They have to make teams one dimensional. That way you can get pressure on the quarterback.
"They've got a big-time tight end. Their receiver is one of the most explosive guys in our league. Their quarterback has been managing things very well. We've just to got to mix things up and make that guy uncomfortable."
On special teams, Gus acknowledges the punt blocks have been disappointing. The punt fielding must improve as well.
Gus says he's excited about the space uniforms. He says the recruits always talk about them. Will he have special attire? He just puts on whatever is in his locker.
Bianchi asks a transfer portal question, saying it's like "free agency."
"They passed the new rule two weeks ago that you can add seven (scholarships) if you lose seven (to the transfer portal)," Malzahn said. "I think that's a plus for us. That's the new age of college football. I said before the season, I think this place is set up as good as any place in the country for all the new changes. We're going to embrace them and be ready for all of it."
Bianchi then asked straight up, are you interested in the LSU job?
"I'm interested in UCF and getting this thing going," Malzahn said. "We've gone through some tough times. A little bumpy road in the first six games. We may have some bumps in the second half of the season. But we're building the foundation of this thing. I'm very excited, I'm very blessed to be here. I love our players. I love our administration. I love our fans. We're going to get this thing where we say we're gonna get it."
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UCF head coach Gus Malzahn appeared on 96.9 The Game's "The Bridge" Thursday morning, which is the segue between Mike Bianchi's "Open Mike" and Marc Daniels' "The Beat of Sports" radio programs. The Citronauts host Memphis on Friday night at 7 p.m.
The interview begins with a question about last week's family situation with his daughter and grandson. The daughter was admitted to the hospital a couple times after giving birth, but is now doing fine. The grandson's name is Gus and he acknowledged he already has a UCF football in his crib.
Bianchi asked about his post-Cincinnati comment when Gus said they'll "remember this day."
"We're going to get this going to exactly where we said we would," Malzahn said. "This is going to be a championship program, a program of the future. We got beat up pretty bad. When you're building the foundation of something, there's things that you'll look back on. See how much growth we're going to have after that. We got beat up pretty good. Cincinnati is an excellent team, first of all. They're a team capable of winning the whole thing. I really believe that. They're a complete team. But we didn't play well. They beat us up pretty good. It was embarrassing. I think it'll be one of those games, once we get to where we're gonna get, to look back and see the growth we've had."
Marc asked about the challenge of preparing on a short week for Memphis. They came in very early on Sunday to grade film, then met with the players. They didn't practice Sunday as they normally do. Coaches stay up a couple extra hours each night. It's a positive they're at home. Gus also mentions again how Memphis played Thursday so they have extra days to prepare.
Marc then asked for an update on Dillon Gabriel's timeline for return, noting Gus made a comment on the radio the other night and Dillon just posted photos to social media that had some fans believing a return was imminent.
"We're just hopeful he'll make it back before the end of the season," Malzahn said. "That's kind of been his goal. He's been working extremely hard. He's actually out there doing some running around an taking some snaps and things like that on his own, which I thought was a real positive. We're just taking it week by week. It's still gonna be a while. But just the fact he's back out there and he does have a chance to come back before the end of the season, I think that kind of gives everybody a shot in the arm."
Bianchi asked Gus directly, any thought to giving Joey Gatewood a shot at starting or will he stick with Mikey Keene?
"Mikey is growing," Malzahn said. "Joey brings a different element. Until we get Dillon back, we're going to do whatever it takes to win. You could possibly see both of them more on the field each game. We'll evaluate what gives us the best chance to be successful. Both of them present a different element for defenses."
Bianchi notes Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell had a rocky first year at 4-8, then began turning things around in year two, and how defense has been important for their rise. Gus agrees.
"We've had key injuries on defense," Malzahn said. "Obviously losing KD week before last was a really tough blow. We're gonna build this thing. In a short period of time, I really believe we'll have a big-time defense. Coach (Travis) Williams is doing a super job. The way we're recruiting right now, it's not going to take long to get this thing going. It really isn't. The fact we're going to another conference has really helped. We're building a great class. I think we'll be a very attractive place for transfers. We're already seeing that. The future is bright."
Gus then says he admires how Luke Fickell stuck with Cincinnati to build their program and didn't bolt at another opportunity.
Regarding the Memphis offense, Gus says they have to stop the run. They have to make teams one dimensional. That way you can get pressure on the quarterback.
"They've got a big-time tight end. Their receiver is one of the most explosive guys in our league. Their quarterback has been managing things very well. We've just to got to mix things up and make that guy uncomfortable."
On special teams, Gus acknowledges the punt blocks have been disappointing. The punt fielding must improve as well.
Gus says he's excited about the space uniforms. He says the recruits always talk about them. Will he have special attire? He just puts on whatever is in his locker.
Bianchi asks a transfer portal question, saying it's like "free agency."
"They passed the new rule two weeks ago that you can add seven (scholarships) if you lose seven (to the transfer portal)," Malzahn said. "I think that's a plus for us. That's the new age of college football. I said before the season, I think this place is set up as good as any place in the country for all the new changes. We're going to embrace them and be ready for all of it."
Bianchi then asked straight up, are you interested in the LSU job?
"I'm interested in UCF and getting this thing going," Malzahn said. "We've gone through some tough times. A little bumpy road in the first six games. We may have some bumps in the second half of the season. But we're building the foundation of this thing. I'm very excited, I'm very blessed to be here. I love our players. I love our administration. I love our fans. We're going to get this thing where we say we're gonna get it."
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