In many respects, UCF and Jacksonville State found themselves on parallel paths as they prepared for Thursday’s season opener.
Both programs underwent coaching changes during the offseason, resulting in significant roster revamps.
Under new coach Scott Frost, UCF welcomed nearly 70 newcomers to its roster, while Jacksonville State brought in 51 players as part of the transition under first-year coach Charles Kelly.
With so many new faces and coaches on staff, preparing for the opener at Acrisure Bounce House Stadium has presented a unique challenge for the Knights’ coaching staff as they prepare to face JSU.
“There are a lot of unknowns going into this game, probably on both sides,” said Frost. “We’re not 100% sure what they’re going to be lined up in and what they’re going to be doing. They’re probably not 100% sure about what we’re doing.”
“You don’t know exactly what to expect, but then in the transfer portal world, we’re all evaluating the same players,” Kelly said. “We know a lot of the same players that they got. We are familiar with the type of players they are and the talent they possess, based on our evaluation.
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“From a schematic standpoint, I don’t think it’s an advantage or disadvantage. Coaches are creatures of habit. They’re going to do what they need to do to be successful. At the end of the day, you’ve got to execute and play and that’s what it’s going to be about.”
Jacksonville State had to replace four all-conference selections on the offense in quarterback Tyler Huff, running back Tre Stewart and offensive linemen Will O’Steen and Clay Webb. The coaching staff brought in more than 20 transfers, including quarterback Gavin Wimsatt, running back Cam Cook and receiver Deondre Johnson.
“It’s a major challenge,” said UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. “One of the ways we try to train our guys, even going back to spring football, is we don’t go in and tell the guys, this is what we’re going to see today from the offense. You try to pre-load them to the best of your ability.”
JSU returned just 9% of its total offensive production from last season, according to Phil Steele.
“You have an idea kind of who the personnel is and look at maybe some of the snaps that they’ve had in their past, maybe a little bit in the way of the DNA of the coaching staff and then admit you don’t know what you don’t know,” said Grinch.
“We’ve watched Maryland, Auburn and Jacksonville State tape,” said Frost. “I’m sure they’ve watched Nebraska, Oregon, UCF, Boise State and [Los Angeles] Rams [tape]. So, you go into a game like this and it’s a little harder to scheme somebody else up. It becomes more about the lineups and you go play ball.”
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Even the players understand the challenges that come with so many unknowns.
“They’re really good tacklers from the defensive side, so that’s the main thing I worry about as a running back,” said UCF redshirt senior tailback Myles Montgomery. “I want to break tackles.”
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