UCF football not overlooking Temple in fourth weeknight game
After opening AAC play last Wednesday against the SMU Mustangs with a 41-19 victory in a game pushed back by Hurricane Ian, UCF football is the only FBS team in the country to play a game on four different days of the week so far this season.
The Knights have played on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday so far this year and UCF coach Gus Malzahn is eager to get back to a consistent Saturday schedule.
“I’m a big routine guy and there’s zero routine so far,” he told reporters Monday. “I’m ready to get to Saturdays. It is what it is. Our guys have been very resilient.
“To them, it doesn’t make any difference,” Malzahn added. “They’ve done a great job with adjustments.”
Thursday’s game vs. Temple marks the second Thursday night game of the season for UCF and the fourth weeknight matchup. Fortunately for Malzahn, it’s the Knights’ final regular-season weeknight game of the year.
To overcome the odd schedule, UCF has rearranged its days of the week. Monday’s practice would have been the Knights’ Wednesday practice in a normal week, according to Malzahn.
“I know playing on Thursday is not going to bother us,” Malzahn said. “Within the days of the week, you stay within your game-prep routine.”
The Knights are preparing for a Temple team that’s recorded just two wins — one against an FCS opponent in Lafayette and the second against FBS independent UMass.
Despite a slow start, the Owls have limited opponents to 16 points, which is third in the AAC behind UCF and Tulane.
In addition, Temple ranks third in the country in the fewest passing yards allowed by the defense and first in the AAC.
“Looking at Temple, it starts with their defense,” Malzahn said. “I’m very impressed. Statistically, one of the best defenses in college football, especially in our conference. They do a really good job of eliminating big plays.”
Temple’s offense, however, has struggled to produce points under new head coach Stan Drayton.
The team’s 15-point average is last in the conference.
Despite Temple’s offensive woes, Malzahn doesn’t want the Knights to overlook the Owls.
“My message to our team is: It doesn’t matter who you’re playing, you’ve got to get better,” he said. “You can’t pat yourself on the back. You had a big win; we played our best game ... that’s great. We’ve got to find a way to get better.”
Roster updates
Malzahn shared new information regarding a handful of defensive players on Monday.
Kansas State transfer linebacker Branden Jennings, who appeared in the first four games, will take a redshirt and sit out the remainder of the season.
Jennings will work with UCF’s scout team for the rest of the season, Malzahn said.
The Knights also lost veteran defensive back Dyllon Lester for the year due to an undisclosed injury.
“Really unfortunate,” Malzahn said about Lester. “He’s one of our team leaders. That was a big blow to us.”
Malzahn added that defensive lineman Keenan Hester is dealing with a health issue.
“We’re hopeful,” Malzahn said about Hester’s return. “We’ll see as far as what the future holds for that.”
Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.
