UCF wins big in Week 1 vs New Hampshire

Happy Labor Day weekend, Knight Nation, and welcome back to college football!

A few weeks ago, I penned a column advising Knight Nation to temper its expectations for the 2024 football season. After another stellar recruiting season led by Gus Malzahn and his crew, many fans were ready to crown the Knights as the 2024 Big XII Champions and book their hotels in Arlington, before the season even started. Fast forward to Thursday evening, after UCF’s first game of the season against FCS opponent New Hampshire, and many of those same fans were frantically reconsidering making those hotel reservations.

To the untrained eye, the final score of 57-3 might seem like a reason to celebrate. Yes, the Knights scored with ease and held their opponent to a mere field goal. The defense was rock-solid, special teams were on point, and the running backs were impressive, blazing trails up and down the field. But there was one glaring issue: the passing game wasn’t just missing in action; it was a complete disaster.

Enter KJ Jefferson, the former SEC starting quarterback making his UCF debut. “Lackluster” doesn’t even begin to describe his performance. Jefferson completed only seven of 14 passing attempts for 164 yards, with most of those completions coming in the second half and on check-down throws. The first half was a mess, and it was downright alarming. Watching Jefferson’s debut was like watching a chef try to make a gourmet meal with a microwave—sure, it might get the job done, but it’s not going to win any Michelin stars.

Which brings me to my point: UCF has a long road ahead if it wants to compete for a spot in the conference championship game in December. The defense can play lights out all year, the running backs can churn out yard after yard, and special teams can deliver when needed. But if the quarterback play isn’t consistent and “passable” (pun intended), UCF’s season will be a long and painful slog. It’s like trying to win a drag race with a tricycle—no matter how hard you pedal, you’re just not going to keep up.

Now, it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s only the first game of the season. This is precisely why teams schedule FCS opponents to start the season. Offenses typically take longer to gel and start producing. Perhaps KJ just needs another week of practice to shake off the rust. Maybe the offense was intentionally kept simple, and his throws were just off for one night. He’s still adjusting to a new offense and a new coaching staff. All very real possibilities. Remember, former UCF and Peach Bowl MVP McKenzie Milton struggled against FCS foe South Carolina State, throwing three interceptions in 2018. It happens, and one game does not define a season or a player. But it is a cause for concern for the time being.

The interesting thing will be watching how Jefferson and the passing offense respond to what they learned Thursday evening. Hopefully, Gus Malzahn and his staff can whip up the right recipe to get this offense cooking. In the post-game conference, KJ commented on his performance. It was clear that he wasn’t happy with it. But to me, talk is cheap. I want to see some improvement in game two of the season, against Sam Houston, who took Rice, a former C-USA conference-mate of UCF, out behind the woodshed in week one. The increase in competition jumps up a step from FCS to FBS.  The offense better improve and be ready.

The season is just getting started. The Big XII still looks wide open (unless your team is Houston) and UCF definitely has a chance IF (big if) they can execute. But for now, I’m going to be watching what the offense does in order to earn that chance in Arlington.

I’ll speak with you all after week two!

Charge On!