There's plenty of improvement that still needs to happen all around, but offensive tackle Aaron Evans did see a better effort last week against UConn. For starters, the offensive line did a much better job in pass protection. It also helped having Justin Homan back at quarterback.
Earlier this week, the redshirt junior spoke about that game and the state of the team as they prepare to visit 5-0 Temple on Saturday.
When you look at the offensive line, I know you guys have wanted a better collective effort. It looked like things picked up a bit vs. UConn. Did you see improvement there? Pass protect and you ran a little bit better. Is there improvement?
"Absolutely. Compared to the Tulane game when we had six or seven sacks. We gave up one out of 60 plays this week, which is our goal. Obviously we don't want to give up any sacks, but our numbers are 1 in 27, so we reached out goal effectively. In the run game we were moving the ball well. We just had some setbacks with penalties and little mistakes here and there which we can't let happen."
With Justin Holman returning at quarterback, does that provide a spark? Not to take anything away from the other guys, but he's been the starter and has more mobility and you can do more things offensively with his skill set. Does that hopefully spark things going forward if he's back and healthy?
"I think what's noticeable is the experience which brings confidence. I think that's what allows us to play a little bit more confidently. Not to take anything away from Bo or Tyler, they're great quarterbacks, but you can tell there's an experience gap. It affects us a little bit, but in time it won't be a factor anymore."
What do you remember of the Temple game two years ago? It was one of many wild games that year.
"I've had so much stuff happens in the past two years I barely remember it. I remember it was exciting. I remember the aftermath more than I remember the game, all the publicity J.J. got for The Catch. I think that got us on the map a lot, the catch alone."
Temple is 5-0, has a really good defense and one of the top linebackers in the country. What do you have to watch out for with them?
"They have an assortment of pressures and blitzes. Really, I think we need to come off the ball and pick them up. They have some powerful and explosive guys on the line. We need to take advantage of that and block them up and we'll be okay."
I know you don't know how to answer questions like this, the mood, it can't be as good as you want it to be when you're losing. The morale, I'm sure you're trying to keep everyone positive. I know this is a season you didn't envision. How is the psyche of the o-line and players around you?
"Obviously we're a little discouraged, upset and I think we're angry too. I think anger is the main thing. We all work so hard. I have a lot of respect of the guys I play with. They're very hard-working men. It's upsetting to work so hard and for it not to come together. The mindset is what can we do to continue to click? To grow. I think that's just the mindset right now. We're just trudging. We're grinding forward and that's really all we can do right now."
Does it bring you guys closer to together? Not to say you wouldn't be close anyway, but as a line, are there some positives regarding this process, better chemistry, closer together in friendships?
"Absolutely. When I was a freshman and even last year, I definitely think we're a lot closer as a unit. We started having dinners together once a week. We just hang out a lot, which is a big difference than what I saw in the past. It's been nice to actually form a brotherhood with these men."
Teams obviously are gunning for UCF, being where UCF has been, back-to-back conference championships. Do you hear chatter on the field?
"Absolutely. We set the bar. We were at the bar and now everyone is like we have to knock them down. They're all competitors. Their goal is to crush us so they can take our spot. King of the hill. That's really what's happening right now."
You're back to being that underdog. Things have kind of flipped. Temple is 5-0, on the cusp of the top 25. How big would it be, I know you guys just want that first win, doesn't matter who it's against, how big would it be to knock them off their perch?
"I think it would be extremely satisfying for a lot of reasons. To get a win would be very satisfying. It would be a big emotional lift for everyone."
You guys need something positive to happen.
"Absolutely. We need something good to happen. We're playing with injuries and other ailments and stuff. We need some good news. It would be good news."
