UCF Coach Scott Frost Trying To Find Consistency on Offense
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Inconsistency has been the UCF Knights' offensive theme this season; one week it's potent, the next week it struggles.
A common theme in these performances is opposing teams neutralizing the run. The No. 20 Houston Cougars held UCF's rushing attack to 73 yards, 36 before Duke Watson broke off a 37-yard run in the third quarter.
The lack of diversity in the Knights' offense led to quick three-and-outs. Houston quarterback Conner Weigman capitalized on these short drives, tallying three rushing touchdowns to lead his team to a three-possession comeback.
Injuries to the quarterback room have affected coach Scott Frost and offensive coordinator Steve Cooper's playcalling.
Frost said he wants to "let it rip" and "play fast," translating to explosive runs or deep throws. Cooper praised star transfer quarterback Alonza Barnett III's accuracy on deep balls, which would unlock an aspect the team's offense lacked last season.
Barnett completed a 35-yard pass in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Panthers before sustaining a "significant" hamstring injury that is sidelining him for multiple weeks.
His injury led to Keyone Jenkins starting in his place until he returns. Jenkins is a reliable backup, but lacks the deep passing accuracy Barnett has.
He struggled to complete deep throws in Week 3 against Georgia State and last Saturday against Houston. Frost and Cooper have had to tailor their play calls to Jenkins' strengths, which is what's best for the team, rather than what they want.
"Yeah, it kills me not to let it rip, but we've got to make the decision about what's best for the football team," Frost said during Monday's media availability.
Frost needs to find consistency fast. UCF is experiencing its toughest stretch of the season, facing three straight ranked teams.
The Knights end their two-game road trip on Saturday against the No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys, then rest on a bye week, returning home to the Acrisure Bounce House to host No. 8 BYU on Oct. 24.
Oklahoma State has the Big 12's fourth-best passing defense, allowing 158.5 yards per game. The revamped Cowboys defense could be trouble for star receivers Josh Derry and Waden Charles, who lead the Knights' receiving corps.
BYU has the Big 12's second-best run defense behind Houston, allowing 75 yards per game. As the Knights have seen before, once Watson's impact is mitigated, Jenkins must dice up the secondary to open up the run game.
The run game has been UCF's offensive identity, and Frost must balance the two. Finding that balance could allow him to make the explosive plays he wants his team to make.
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