Conference rivals predict a swift resurgence for the Knights as Scott Frost targets a reliable dual-threat quarterback to reignite the high-scoring offense that once defined the program.
Athlon Sports interviewed all Big 12 coaches, who anonymously commented on each program in the conference, and some of them had high praise for coach Scott Frost and UCF.
The coaches are confident in Frost because of the success he achieved during his first tenure. He turned a winless program in 2015 into an undefeated team two seasons later.
“(Coach) Scott Frost knows how to win there," an anonymous coach said. "Every head coach has won there except for Gus (Malzahn). But before that, every coach has won big, from George O’Leary to Frost, to (current Tennessee coach) Josh Heupel. They’ve all won and had a lot of success.”
Frost transformed the Knights into an offensive juggernaut during their 2017 season. They averaged 48.2 points during the year en route to adding an AAC championship to the school's history and becoming the 50th winner in Peach Bowl history.
There was one common denominator in the comments from Big 12 coaches: UCF needs to figure out its quarterback situation. Injuries plagued the position last season, leading to multiple starts throughout the year.
“Frost has a really good offensive scheme, and there are certain players down there (in Florida) that fit his scheme, an anonymous coach said. "Once he gets a quarterback at the level that he wants, watch out for them. I’m high on Frost, and I’m high on that program.”
Frost and his coaching staff addressed that issue quickly in January's transfer portal. They added James Madison transfer Alonza Barnett III, fresh off leading his team to their first College Football Playoffs.
Barnett III broke out in his final two seasons with the Dukes. He threw for a combined 5,404 yards, 49 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, and added 1,031 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on 262 carries.
His dual-threat ability is the skill set Frost wants in his offensive scheme and he could reignite the offensive spark the Knights had in 2017. Barnett III isn't the only dual-threat quarterback on the roster, though.
UCF added Florida International transfer Keyone Jenkins, Boise State transfer Kaleb Annett and freshmen Rocco Marriott and Dante Carr. The quarterback room is deep, talented and full of players who match Frost's offensive scheme.
If Barnett III remains healthy, providing much-needed stability for an important position, Big 12 coaches expect UCF to become a problem in the conference. Frost and the Knights are aiming to bounce back from a 5-7 season last year.
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