UCF quarterback KJ Jefferson looks to play better in his second game with the Knights on Saturday vs. Sam Houston. Willie J. Allen Jr./Orlando Sentinel/TNS
K.C. Keller knew about UCF coach Gus Malzahn ’s legendary status, but the Sam Houston coach hadn’t followed his career that closely.
“I always thought he was more of a gimmick guy,” said Keller, 65. “When you watch [UCF], it’s execution, execution, execution, execution and then a gimmick. When I say gimmick, it’s something that’s built into his system where you’re always going to get a reverse or six deep shots a game.”
But when Keller sat down to scout video of the Knights (1-0) with defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity, who spent time as a student assistant at Auburn under Malzahn, he learned much more.
“I was watching the tape and was surprised just how fundamental they were instead of gimmicky,” said Keller. “He said that is what he took away from Gus when he worked for him was the fundamentals. You can see they’re just so well-coached.”
Malzahn also is part of Keller’s mutual admiration society, citing a 34-14 win by Sam Houston (1-0) against Rice last week.
“We’re playing a quality opponent and everybody knows that,” said Malzahn. “This isn’t your normal non-conference team. This team looks to me like they can be in the mix to win their conference.
“They’ve got a really solid group that starts with their quarterback. I was impressed with him. The offensive line looks solid, the receivers are fast guys and good running back. They’ve got a good offensive scheme. That coach has a history. He knows how to coach offense.”
Coaches: Malzahn, 4th season at UCF, 25-16 (102-54 overall); Keller, 10th season at Sam Houston, 89-36 (263-109-1)
Quick slant: This is the first meeting between these programs. … Sam Houston won a national championship as a member of the Football Championship Subdivision in 2020 and transitioned to the Football Bowl Subdivision last season. … The Bearkats are looking for their first win against a Big 12 foe. … In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, UCF will wear helmet decals created by pediatric patients from Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.
About UCF: Linebacker Deshawn Pace recorded his seventh interception against New Hampshire. The fifth-year senior has registered at least one interception in each of the past four seasons. … The Knights’ offensive line ranks third in pass-blocking efficiency in the Big 12, according to Pro Football Focus, behind Kansas and Iowa State. … All six of kicker Colton Boomer ’s kickoffs went for touchbacks.
About Sam Houston: Edge rusher Jevon Leon (6-3, 250) led the Bearkats with 4 quarterback pressures against Rice, finishing with 3 hits and 1 hurry, according to PFF. … Cornerback David Fisher had a pick-6 against the Owls, the third time in the last four games that Sam Houston has returned an interception for a touchdown dating to last season. … Hunter Watson is the highest-graded quarterback in CUSA, per PFF, after totaling 286 yards last week.
3 things to watch
Ground and pound: UCF ran for 454 yards in its season opener against New Hampshire. Sam Houston allowed just 47 to Rice and hasn’t allowed 100 yards rushing in three consecutive games dating to last season.
Slow down Bearkats: Sam Houston had 12 plays of 10 or more yards last week, including three plays of 30 or more yards. Two of those explosive plays (20-plus yards) were deep touchdown passes (67 yards, 32) from Watson. UCF allowed just two explosive passing plays against New Hampshire.
Get to the quarterback. UCF failed to register a sack for the third time in the past four games going back to last season. While Sam Houston returns four of its five starters on the offensive line from last season, the group surrendered 7 sacks to Rice last week. Four of those sacks came when the defense blitzed, something the Knights didn’t do much against the Wildcats.
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