UCF HC Scott Frost Looks Ahead to Pittsburgh Matchup

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The UCF football program made history Thursday night, posting the largest margin of victory in history, beating Bethune-Cookman 73-6.

Following the game, the players and coaching staff remained locked in on the overall goal, while applauding each other for taking care of Game 1.

"We did what we were supposed to do," head coach Scott Frost said.

But, now the team will have a much-larger challenge, as Pittsburgh plays host to the Knights for Week 2.

Like UCF, the Panthers got off to a strong start in their first matchup of the season, knocking off Miami (OH) 59-14.

Mason Heintschel, Pitt's sophomore quarterback, dominated the Redhawks' defense, throwing for 453 yards and a whopping seven touchdowns.

Heintschel looked extremely comfortable in the pocket, evading pass rushers and stepping up for confident throws.

For defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and the Knights' defense, Heintschel provides the first real test of the season.

But, Frost is feeling confident, and is embracing the opportunity to make a statement on the road against a formidable opponent.

"We’re going to have 12 chances to earn some respect," Frost said about the remainder of the season.

Outside of the early-season matchup this year, UCF and Pitt have some significant history, with the last meeting between the two teams marking the end of the Knights' remarkable 27-game win streak in 2019.

Prior to the matchup, UCF had not lost a regular season game in nearly two full seasons, riding the momentum of Mackenzie Milton and Dillon Gabriel.

Gabriel, who was the starting quarterback in this game, filled up the stat sheet, recording 338 yards passing and two touchdowns.

On the other side of the field was future NFL first-round pick Kenny Pickett, who's numbers did not jump off the charts, but had the biggest play of the game with less than a minute to go.

The Panthers dialed up a "Philly Special" type play on fourth down with three yards to go until the endzone, as wide receiver Aaron Matthews found Pickett for a go-ahead score.

This 35-34 win marked the second victory over the Knights for Pittsburgh, as the Panthers lead the all-time series 2-1.

The quarterback duel this time around may very well determine the winner again, with UCF's Alonza Barnett III looking comfortable in his opening game with the program.

But, slowing down Heintschel is definitely a priority. Getting pressure on the sophomore gunslinger will force him out of the pocket and give the Knights' speedy secondary time to recover downfield.

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