South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Knights pumped up for bowl game
UCF ‘extremely excited’ to take on Gators
UCF hit the practice field for the first time Saturday night in preparation for the Dec. 23 matchup vs. the Florida Gators in the Gasparilla Bowl.
The time between the regular-season finale against the South Florida Bulls and the bowl game in Tampa — just a few days short of a full month — is something Knights coach Gus Malzahn isn’t taking for granted.
“It was much needed,” Malzahn said about the extended time off. “We kind of limped home. We’re hopeful that we’ll have all hands on deck that aren’t out for the season or left.”
Malzahn expressed just how much he and his team are looking forward to facing Florida, a team UCF hasn’t met since 2006.
“Really excited to play an in-state opponent in Florida and in a bowl game in Tampa,” Malzahn said. “I know our guys are extremely excited and I know our fanbase is too.”
Malzahn pointed out that despite the fact that the Gators finished the year 6-6 and fired head coach Dan Mullen, Florida still has an explosive offense — No. 11 in total offense averaging 470 yards.
“We have a lot of respect for them,” Malzahn said. “I think it’s good for the state too. There’s a lot of excitement and I think you can see that with the sellout.”
While the Knights are excited to face Florida at Raymond James Stadium, UCF isn’t making too much out of the team it will face in less than two weeks.
“Our job description doesn’t change at all no matter who we’re playing against,” senior receiver Brandon Johnson said. “Our job description stays the same from Week 1 through Week 12 and all the way through the bowl game. We look at what we need to do be successful.”
Unlike the majority of his teammates, Johnson has experience facing Florida, having spent 5 years at the University of Tennessee.
In his time in Knoxville, Johnson played against the Gators 4 times, totaling 11 catches for 97 yards.
“It’s always fun getting to play these guys,” Johnson said. “No matter what uniform I’m in, it’s always fun to play Florida, so I’m just looking forward to the challenge.”
The Knights and the Gators have met just twice previously, with Florida winning both games in Gainesville. Malzahn is aware of what a win over Florida would do for UCF moving forward.
“Bowl games give you momentum in a lot of different areas,” Malzahn said. “Obviously it’s a very good game, and playing against an in-state team makes it even bigger.”