UCF senior defensive back BJ Adams (0), freshman defensive back Chasen Johnson (27) and sophomore defensive back Antione Jackson (7) huddle during Saturday's game against BYU in FBC Mortgage Stadium.
Courtesy of UCF Athletics
UCF football head coach Gus Malzahn made significant changes to the play-calling staff ahead of its annual space game Saturday against Arizona at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
“I just felt like that was the best thing for our team right now," Malzahn said in a press conference on Monday. "And as a leader, you've got to do what you think is best for your team."
Last week’s 37-24 defeat to BYU marked the Knights fifth-straight loss of the season. Wanting a switch in the play-calling, Malzahn parted ways with former UCF defensive coordinator Ted Roof. Moving forward, UCF co-defensive coordinator Addison Williams will take on the role of defensive coordinator.
Malzahn has also relinquished offensive play-calling duties, giving the responsibility to UCF offensive coordinator Tim Harris, choosing to instead focus on head coaching duties.
“It definitely sucks getting a different defensive coordinator, but we definitely have a lot of confidence in coach Addie, and we know [what] his capabilities are and we just got to keep our head down, and keep the main thing the main thing,” UCF redshirt junior defensive tackle Matthew Alexander said in Monday’s press conference.
During the Knights' last game, senior wide receiver Kobe Hudson went down in the first quarter and remained sidelined for the rest of the game. Hudson said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he's going to play this week.
Despite the changes, the Knights (3-5, 1-4 Big 12) are still favored to win. UCF has been averaging 7 more points a game and is a six-point favorite over the Wildcats.
After a tough 37-24 loss to BYU, UCF also looks to snap its five-game losing streak.
The key to this matchup will be for UCF’s defense to step up and contain Arizona’s redshirt sophomore quarterback Noah Fifita, who threw for 294 yards and two touchdowns last game. Another key will be stopping junior wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, who had 202 receiving yards and a touchdown last game.
“Their quarterback’s phenomenal, the receivers one of the best in the entire country," Malzahn said. "So definitely a secondary, you know, being healthy, having our main guys out there will be a big deal."
Coming off a loss of their own, the Wildcats will look to capitalize on UCF’s defensive struggles, as the Knights have allowed just over 33 points per game during their five-game losing streak.
UCF is hoping these coaching changes will give it the edge to keep its undefeated 7-0 space game record.
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