ORLANDO, Fla. — The Knights have lost four of their offensive starters this season while quickly spiraling to 0-3 after two heart crushing losses at home and one at the hands of Stanford.
Quarterback Justin Holman (hand), running-back Dontravious Wilson (leg-injury), center Joey Grant (career ending shoulder problems) and wide-receiver Jordan Akins (season-ending ACL tear) all have had to recover from setbacks.
UCF’s rash of injuries and inexperience have left them with a lack of offensive difference-makers, leading the Knights to rank last in the FBS rankings for total offense.
Offensive coordinator Brent Key’s offense has been underwhelming in his first season as the coordinator, but he has not had his full arsenal of offensive weapons.
“Injuries are tough to overcome, it’s our practice habits,” said red-shirt junior Nick Patti, in regard to what has gone wrong with the team this season.
“It’s definitely a big challenge, it’s very hard to replace experience, especially with youth,” said red-shirt senior Cedric Thompson. “We have to be positive in the manner and make sure that we are preparing well and doing things that we need to do to move forward…we have to live in the now and just try to get it done with what we have.”
The Knights are optimistic about this upcoming week as they face the South Carolina Gamecocks, excited about the energy at practice Monday.
“There was more of a sense of urgency at practice,” said Patti.
“Today in my opinion was the best vibe I’ve had at practice,” said red-shirt junior Luke Adams. “Everyone was into it. Everyone was hustling.”
O’Leary credits the lack of execution to the players not doing the little things and that better practice is a positive sign for the Knights.
“I told the coaches you gotta feel bad about what’s taken place, but you gotta move on,” said Oleary. “I think that’s the first thing that the kids look at, is the coaches…they gotta coach the little things up and those are the things we aren’t doing right now, the little things that are causing some big problems.”
