UCF football: 3 takeaways from lopsided win over Kent State

2. John Rhys Plumlee has an up-and-down night

In a post-Dillon Gabriel world, Gus Malzahn had two quarterbacks to choose from. With Johm Rhys Plumlee and Mikey Keene to decide between, Gus ultimately chose the former, the much better runner of the two. It was a much-maligned choice at times, especially after a 20-14 loss to Louisville last season in which the Knights didn’t score a single point in the second half.

As the year went on, however, Plumlee and Malzahn found success, with the highlight of the year being a 38-31 victory over Tulane in which Plumlee rushed for 176 yards and threw for another 132.

The big question regarding Plumlee has always been this: Can he throw the ball at a high enough level for this offense to become elite? He’s operated this unit at a high level, but the elite offenses that we have seen at times in Malzahn’s career have yet to be consistent in Orlando.

Against Kent State, Plumlee was encouraging, but not entirely convincing. He went 22-of-30 for 281 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions on the night. It was a more efficient night than usual from a completion percentage standpoint, but the two interceptions, along with a fumble, against this quality of opponent were concerning.

Plumlee has a high ceiling, but he has to protect the ball if this offense is going to take the next step. There were good signs on Thursday night, but some worrying things occurred as well.