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UCF Football: Win or lose, it will be exciting with Gus Malzahn

By Chris Peterson

TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Dillon Gabriel #11 hands the ball off to Greg McCrae #30 of the UCF Knights during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 27: Dillon Gabriel #11 hands the ball off to Greg McCrae #30 of the UCF Knights during the second quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium on November 27, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense will be explosive

The UCF offense is already elite. At least it was last season, ranking in the top 10 nationally in both yards and points.

Malzahn has always been known as an offensive guru and with Central Florida, he will get to work with Gabriel, who threw 32 touchdown passes compared to just four interceptions last season.

To make things even worse for opponents is the fact that UCF returns eight starters including all five of its offensive lineman and two talented wideouts led by Jaylon Robinson.

The speedster caught 55 passes for 979 yards and scored six touchdowns while averaging 17.8 yards per reception. Ryan O’Keefe is also back after 20 receptions last season for 391 yards.

The offensive line wasn’t spectacular but it didn’t hold the offense back. The biggest question mark is probably at running back although Malzahn has brought in a couple of transfers including Mark Anthony Richards from Auburn to go along with Johnny Richardson.

Former five-star receiver Jordan Johnson (from Notre Dame) should also make an impact and we’ll see if Malzahn can get this offense cranked up like his early days at Auburn.

At the very least, it should be able to keep operating at a really high level.

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