Written by José Terrassa.
UCF Head Coach Scott Frost addressed the media this week, reflecting on the team’s tough road loss against Houston and outlining the mentality needed as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Texas Tech.
Coach Frost began by acknowledging the rash of injuries suffered in the last game, noting that “a lot of guys got called into duty that would normally be in that situation”, and stated they are “waiting to get some update on a few guys”.
Frost commended the team’s fight in the face of adversity, something he never wants them to lose, even as they navigate difficult setbacks.
The injury bug has been tough on the running back room, making it difficult to maintain balance, with key players like Taevion Swint, Stacy Gage, and Miles Montgomery all being down at the end of the last game.
The difficult Houston loss also brought the quarterback situation into focus, particularly the late-game decision to insert Davi Belfort. Frost clarified that starting quarterback Tayven Jackson had a “hammy issue that happened in pregame”, and the coaching staff made the switch based on “health and situation” in the game.
Frost took the blame for the young backup, who “took it really hard” after the drive, stating that the staff “put him in a tough spot” as a fourth-string player who hadn’t gotten many reps with the first team.
The coach wants to see his quarterbacks and the entire team making more
“hard plays” and getting “dirty yards” to succeed, emphasizing the need to “make it happen even when it looks different or it gets a little tough”.
Additionally, Frost addressed the season-long struggle with penalties, which he described as “a lot of pin pricks and paper cuts”, that constantly stall the offense.
The key to correction is discipline and refining the practice process to ensure players are properly set before the ball is snapped.
Looking ahead to the matchup against Texas Tech, who Frost considers one of the best in college football. He stressed that the margin for error is shrinking and the team will need to “play really good to beat these guys”.
He has a lot of respect for the Texas Tech defense, noting they “have a lot of talent” and “keep it pretty simple because of that, so their guys can play fast”.
Texas Tech is stout up front with good pass rushers and a secondary that keeps things in front of them, meaning the Knights must earn every yard.
Furthermore, Frost acknowledged the team’s struggle to play up to its capabilities on the road this year, calling it a “mentality and a growth thing” that requires the team to be “tough” and “together” to overcome the adversity of being away from home.
Ultimately, the message remains consistent: the team must “stick to the process” because “nothing good ever happens without those things happening,” and they are developing the culture and leadership necessary to get the program to where it needs to be.
