UCF coach Scott Frost discusses what could have been had a few plays went the Knights' way
The UCF Knights have won five games this season but coach Scott Frost knows things could be different.
After Saturday's home win against Oklahoma State, Frost reflected on the games he felt the Knights lost after being in position to win.
"You know, we lost two games at home that we had a chance to win, and in both of those games we came out and didn't do much with the ball, getting the ball to start the second half," Frost said. "That was a big improvement and I think we needed that just to get us within one score. I think that kind of elevated the effort of the defense and the belief that the defense was playing with and then we managed to get get two more before the end of it. So I told the team I'm recovering from my third heart attack of the night, but, when you get older in coaching, too, I think you're able to stay a little calmer. And that's one thing I think our coaching staff did a good job of not getting frustrated despite some things that would frustrate you and staying calm and trying to guide the team in."
Frost was referring to home losses to Kansas and Houston. Both games were winnable. If anything, the Oklahoma State win is proof the Knights are starting to come together.
"We've had two heartbreakers at home and it says a lot about a team," Frost said. "You know, I've been part of teams where when you get in that situation and that's happened to you before, you start to think, 'Oh no, here we go again.' Everybody stayed calm. And it was hard to stay calm when we were jumping offsides and getting holding penalties with chances to score and win the game. But ripping a kid's face off for making a mistake doesn't help you win the game in that situation. That's why I say I think the coaching staff did a good job staying calm and leading them home. And I think that, you know, the kids just kept plugging and found a way. And if you're going to win close games, that's what you have to do."
The Knights, who are bowl-eligible, finish the season this weekend against BYU. The Cougars are 10-1 and expected to make the College Football Playoffs.
Shandel Richardson is the publisher of UCFRoundtable. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com