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UCF football: 3 takeaways from lopsided win over Kent State

By Jake Mitchell

Aug 31, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights running back Demarkcus Bowman (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports battle for the ball
Aug 31, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights running back Demarkcus Bowman (23) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the second half against the Kent State Golden Flashes at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports battle for the ball /
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ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the UCF Knights watches the game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Military Bowl Presented by Peraton at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 28: Head coach Gus Malzahn of the UCF Knights watches the game against the Duke Blue Devils in the Military Bowl Presented by Peraton at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on December 28, 2022 in Annapolis, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

1. Gus Malzahn has re-learned an old lesson

When Gus Malzahn returned to Auburn to become head coach, he called the plays himself for the first few seasons. He had immense success in 2013, riding an electric running attack all the way to an appearance in the BCS title game against Florida State.

Each year, however, the offense took a step back, and the team with it. After a 12-2 finish in 2013, the Tigers’ record dropped to 8-5 in 2014 and 7-6 in 2015. The following season, Malzahn elected to give the playcalling up, handing the reigns to offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee. The Tigers improved back to 8-5 in 2016 and 10-4 in 2017, a year that included victories over Georgia and Alabama in the last month of the season.

At UCF, Malzahn made the decision a year earlier. After two nine-win seasons, both featuring stop-and-start offensive production throughout the season, he’s decided to hand the playcalling duties off to offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw. Early returns are encouraging.

By halftime, the UCF offense had racked up 357 total yards, including 203 on the ground, as well as 18 first downs and a third down conversion rate of 7-for-9. They didn’t slow down in the second half, scoring another 14 points in the third quarter on their way to a 56-point night.

Malzahn says he’s taking on more of a CEO role in this program, especially with the expanded responsibilities that the transfer portal and NIL have placed on head coaches.

As for Hinshaw, his first true test will be next week against Boise State. For now, though, he’s off to a hot start.

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