It’s easy to glance
UCF has allowed just 3 sacks in its 5 games
at UCF’s football accomplishments this season and attribute it to the improved QB action or the attacking defense. But a closer look reveals a big part of the team’s success starts with the offensive line.
Wyatt Miller and Aaron Evans wrapped up their night sometime at the end of the third quarter against East Carolina Saturday. UCF was well on its way to another blowout victory, with the Knights comfortably ahead 49-14 on the visiting Pirates.
The final score was 61-23, the fifth consecutive win for UCF, tying a school-record set in 1988. More impressive, the Knights’ offense amassed more than 600 yards of offense and scored more than 60 points for the second time this season. It’s an accomplishment both Miller and Evans, veteran offensive linemen, are particularly proud of.
“[We] came out in the third quarter and the last play is what pushed us over 600 yards and that’s big for us because we like to see those numbers put up,” said Miller, a fourth-year junior who’s started 18 games at right tackle.
“It warms my heart,” added Evans, a fifth-year senior, who’s started 29 of the past 30 games at left tackle for the Knights.
It’s easy to glance at UCF’s accomplishments so far this season and attribute it to the improved play of quarterback McKenzie
Milton or the athletic, attacking defense spearheaded by Shaquem Griffin, the reigning American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.
But a closer look reveals a big part of the team’s success starts up front with the offensive line.
“They’ve gotten better every single week,” UCF offensive line coach Greg Austin said. “From the weeks in fall to the FIU game all the way up until this past game. It’s showing.”
The numbers back up Austin’s assessment of his unit.
During five games so far this season, UCF has allowed just three sacks: one against Cincinnati and two against East Carolina. Compare that to last season after the same number of games when the offensive line allowed 13 on its way to 36 sacks at the end of the season.
Injuries coupled with a lack of depth and a group of players adjusting to a new style of offense contributed to the struggles. UCF finished middle of the pack in the AAC when it came to scoring offense per game (28.8) and total yards per game (350.8).
Nearly nine months later and UCF has experienced an offensive renaissance.
The Knights rank first in the country in scoring (50.6) and fifth in total offense (547.2 yards per game) entering this week’s road contest with Navy.
“We’re doing things right and this offense is working like it should,” Miller said of the offensive turnaround. “Last year, we hit a few bumps and we knew we could do a lot better. I feel like we’re hitting our stride and we’re getting better every week.”
Evans credits the turnaround to how he and the other linemen have bought into the process.
“Each person is keeping each other accountable. We’re really just being detailed in our assignments at practice and we’re not letting anything slide,” he said.
Both players credit Austin for the techniques being taught which in turn has led to a renewed sense of confidence that’s worked its way throughout the group.
“We know what is going to happen and we trust our technique,” said Miller.
“Coach G says, ‘confidence through demonstrated ability’ all the time and that just means that we go through these reps at practice and he doesn’t let anything that’s not up to standard slide,” Evans adds.
That confidence has carried over to Milton, who is putting up career best numbers with 1,489 yards passing with 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. The second-year quarterback ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency (203.57).
“If we give him time, he’s going to deliver,” Miller said of Milton. “That’s another thing. We know we have a quarterback back there that can sling it if we give him enough time.”
Added Evans, “We know our assignments so well he’s able to sit back there and take his time and make the right decisions that he needs to make.
“It’s really nice to see where this program as come — two years ago 0-12 and even five years ago with the Fiesta Bowl — it feels good for me to be a senior and to believe this is going to be my legacy. It’s rewarding.”