Let's talk X' & O's of the game

[Guest BasketBull.]

Going into this game, I knew UCF had a very solid defense, especially the secondary. I think they have some NFL talents back there.

Their plan was to stack the middle and let their secondary go one-on-one with our receivers. This was why Grothe and our receivers had a big night. It would have been more had a few more catches went our way.

But what made it difficult was when we couldn't cash in on the long plays. That left us with the shorter plays or run the ball. Well, they were stacking the box pretty tightly. I think this forced our coaches to run Matt more --the O-line didn't do too much to open holes.

I think our game plan was just fine. The mistakes (INTs), special teams play, missed field goal before overtime, and clock management really hurt.

Honestly, had Matt not thrown that last INT and had gotten a first down, the game would have been over.

On a neutral field with the same athletes, if we play this game 10 times, I bet USF would win 9 times.

[Velcro]

vs UCF, I'd say we win 10 of 10 on a neutral field, and 10 of 10 on the road...  prove me otherwise  ;D

[Griggsy]

Our line got manhandled by their front. Grothe had very little time to throw and ended up on the run much of the time. On the plays he DID have time to throw, the receivers had a hard time getting open.

I applaud UCF's defense for a very Herculean effort.

There is no doubt we are a better team than UCF, but for whatever reason the disparity between our programs was not as apparent last night.