Life is a never-ending freight train; the UCF Knights tackle the loss of offensive line coach Shawn Clark in preparation for their first Big 12 matchup of the season against the Kansas State Wildcats this Saturday.
UCF and Kansas State have had opposite starts to the season, as the Black and Gold enter Bill Snyder Family Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas, at 3-0. Meanwhile, the Wildcats are 1-3 to start and find themselves at the bottom tier of rankings in the Big 12.
These records set the stage for a deeper look at Kansas State’s performance. Kansas State ranks 14th in points (24.3) and is ranked last in rushing yards (108). The passing game, led by junior quarterback Avery Johnson, is one of the few bright spots for the Wildcats’ offense, averaging 212.8 yards.
UCF head coach Scott Frost, who’s familiar with Kansas State and worked with the Wildcats’ head coach Chris Klieman, knows their mentality coming into this week’s matchup.
“I know coming off a bye week, they’re going to have smoke coming out of their ears,” Frost said.
Kansas State’s mentality not only stems from its losing record, but also from how close each of its losses is. Against Iowa State on Aug. 23 and Army on Sept. 6, the Wildcats lost 24-21. In its last matchup against Arizona, Kansas State lost 23-17.
The Wildcats have lost their games by a total of 12 points. However, Kansas State’s losses should not distract UCF from its opponent. The Knights are entering a hostile environment for their first road game, and their defense needs to prepare for Johnson.
Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch highlighted Johnson’s dual-threat ability and the challenges he poses to the Knights' defense.
“You got a guy with speed traits; keeps plays alive,” Grinch said. “He can make bad plays good. He’s got the arm to direct it downfield.”
So far, Johnson’s stats support Grinch’s analysis. He’s completed 60% of his passes for 851 yards and six touchdowns. Johnson has added 62 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries as well.
Each of the Knights' three games has provided a unique set of challenges. Just like their matchup against Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels, this is UCF’s next test.
However, there is a different vibe for this matchup. It’s the Knights' first conference game and first road trip; it’s the team’s opportunity to remain undefeated.
Offensive coordinator Steve Cooper talked about how the team feels heading into Saturday’s game.
“Outside of everything and the grief, our players are still excited to play this game,” Cooper said. “What I’m excited to see is our guys go out and execute in what I’m assuming is going to be a relatively hostile environment.”
UCF enters its toughest bout of the entire season, as Kansas State’s game kicks off its first Big 12 matchup, and every game from now on is a Big 12 opponent. As the Knights continue to prove themselves to the nation, Grinch has one message to motivate his players in big-time games.
“You got to remind yourself why you decided to play power four football,” Grinch said. “You got to decide if a bunch of guys clapping in purple are going to wreck you, or can you stick your chest out, shoulders back and respond in these moments.”