UCF urges Holman to run against Houston
Greg Ward Jr. created a signature identity for No. 21 Houston football’s fastpaced offense as the shifty quarterback who could cut and run out of the pocket at any moment.
But Justin Holman might have a few tricks up his sleeve too for UCF as the team looks to keep pace when the teams meet Saturday at noon in Bright House Networks Stadium.
Both teams have athletic quarterbacks, but where Ward’s role might be shaped by his preferred style of play, Holman’s ground game has become necessary for an offense struggling to make plays.
UCF quarterbacks coach Danny Barrett said Holman regretted not making more plays with his feet during the team’s 30-16 loss at Temple Saturday. Holman, along with redshirt freshman tailback C.J. Jones, were the team’s only rushers in the game and combined for 67 yards.
Holman completed a season-low 10 of 31 passes for 67 yards with two interceptions.
Temple was just the third full game he’s competed this season after a broken finger forced him to miss most of the Stanford game and the next three contests.
“You know, he became effective in the game when he was able to use his legs. Hindsight is 20⁄20,” Barrett said. “He’s down on himself right now, but you know it’s a new week and new opportunity to redeem that, so we’re back out today working hard trying to get back into the level of play prior to his injury. And I think he’s pressing right now a little bit as well.”
Ideally, Holman’s mobility would be more of a luxury tha a priority. But the Knights’ season has featured nightmare issues.
One of the most glaring complications has been the team’s extreme amount of injuries and lack of depth, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.
“The quarterback looked as if he was having a bad night, but when you analyze it, he’s played better, but I don’t think his surrounding cast is helping right now as far as things that have to get done,” UCF coach George O’Leary said. “Again, it’s just a work in progress with some of these young kids and that’s really where the issues are right now is the young kids on the field when they have an opportunity, not taking advantage of the opportunity.”
There’s a small break on the horizon for UCF (0-6 overall, 0-3 American Athletic Conference) as a few injured players are expected to return Saturday. O’Leary said freshman receiver Tristan Payton is out of a hand cast and should be available to play.
Lead running backs, junior Dontravious Wilson and true freshman Taj McGowan, have been recovering from injuries and O’Leary said he expects one of them back Saturday. He didn’t specify which player.
No matter who is on the field, UCF’s offense is depending on someone, anyone, who can become a reliable playmaker to push an offense that is ranked No. 127 nationally.
“The whole team just needs to rally around [Holman],” UCF receiver Chris Johnson said. “His injury, it kind of affects his game but if we just all rally around him, he’ll push through it.”