The Knights are 0-4 and they are still ranked dead last in the FBS rankings for total offense. UCF accounted for 230 yards of total offense against South Carolina last Saturday, far from an improvement to the 270 yards they racked up against FCS Furman the previous week.
“I thought we mixed the ball up pretty well, said Coach O’Leary at Monday afternoon’s press conference, in regard to the offense. “The thing that I don’t see right now is the running backs making anybody miss.”
The Knights accounted for 26 yards rushing yards against South Carolina; 1.3 yards per rush. The running game should get a boost this Saturday when the Knights take on 1-2 Tulane, as red-shirt junior Dontravius Wilson is expected to play.
“There should be three backs available (Wilson, McGowan, Jones) to play as far as getting things done,” said O’Leary.“There all different style guys…they gotta get hidden yards.”
UCF’s passing game showed slight improvements against South Carolina, notching 204 passing yards and a milestone for true-freshman quarterback Bo Schneider – who threw his first collegiate touchdown.
“Bo is a tough kid, he handles himself really well,” said red-shirt senior HB Joseph Puopolo. “I really think he’s done a great job as a quarterback. He’s kept his composure and he’s led us on some good drives, so I’m really proud of him.”
Coach O’Leary is still not satisfied with the performance of the receiving corps.
“One of the biggest issues I have is really with the receivers,” said O’Leary. “I mean we completed balls, but really when you look at hidden yards after the catch or after the first hit, there’s only about 11 yards…they gotta be able to run through things and make people miss.”
Perhaps the Knights will feature true-freshman, Tristan Payton and red-shirt red-shirt sophomore, Chris Johnson even more going forward. Both Payton and Johnson have shown the ability to make people miss in the return game. Payton is coming of a game where he recorded five receptions for 42 yards and returned two kick-returns for 48 yards, his longest return was for 27 yards.
The Knights are going to battle with their 3 headed monster in backfield; Taj McGowan, C.J Jones, and Dontravius Wilson.“We have to get more youth out there in my opinion and add more speed” said O’Leary. “The key to the passing game is getting people on the move and getting yards after the catch.”
Photo Credit: Aileen Perilla
