ABOVE VIDEO:Highlights from Saturday night’s spring game. (UCF Knights Video)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The Scott Frost Era kicked off Saturday night with the Gold squad defeating the Black squad 21-10 in the annual UCF spring game at Brighthouse Stadium in front of a record-setting crowd of 23,147.
The record is the largest crowd to watch a UCF spring game.
After 15 practices this spring, Saturday night revealed the defense looks to have the advantage over offense early on in the Frost era. However, the offense showed signs that could translate to success for the upcoming season.
Early in the second quarter, Gold squad struck first on a 8-yard scamper by sophomore running back C.J. Jones to put the Gold up 7-0, thanks to a 37-yard catch by senior tight end Cal Bloom from quarterback Garrett Kruczek.
ABOVE VIDEO: The new era in UCF football under head coach Scott Frost features new identities for the Knights. #UCFast embraces the quick tempo of the UCF offense. #UCFierce illustrates the toughness of the UCF defense. And all Knights will #RiseandConquer. (Video by Chip Fontanazza and UCF Video Services)
The Gold squad followed up the next possession with a beautiful interception by defensive back Blake Tiralosi.
Gold wasn’t finished when sophomore running back Taj McGowan ran in a short run touchdown at the beginning of the third quarter to give Gold a 14-3 advantage over Black.
The play of the day went to junior tight end Michael Colubiale, of the black squad, who snagged a 37-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Tyler Harris to make it 14-10 in favor of team Gold. Colubiale ran a seam route up the middle and made a stellar catch between three defenders to pull Black within four points late in the third quarter.
At the end of the game, Mac Loudermilk, listed as the team’s tight end and punter on the roster, rose up for a 46-yard touchdown catch between two defenders that was beautifully placed by quarterback Garrett Kruczek, once again.
ABOVE VIDEO: Episode 2- Learn more about new defensive coordinator Erik Chinander, who he and his wife recently had their second daughter. Also, find out how the Knights’ are keeping up with the fast pace of the new offense and defense. (Chip Fontanazza, UCF Video Services Video)
This 2016 UCF team returns 17 starters from last years squad, 10 on the offense and 7 on the defense.
Last year’s team may not have won a game but there is a different vibe surrounding UCF since Frost took over the job in December. Hence, the record setting crowd.
Scott Frost
” I want to tell the fans thank you for showing up and supporting us. I can’t tell you how much enthusiasm I feel and excitement around the program,” said head coach Scott Frost.
Fans want to believe Frost will lead UCF to new heights, time will tell if that belief turns into reality. If Saturday gives fans any hope, it is that this team has a new attitude.
New coaches, new system and new philosophies are giving this team a much needed reset button after last season’s disappointment.
There is belief and sense of a excitement of a new beginning for the Black and Gold.
“I told the guys in the locker room how far they have come from December till now is a huge step and understand that is a first step,” said Frost.
“If they can improve as much now to September as much as we improved from December to April 16, I think we have a good chance to put a good product on the field this season.”
Many famous UCF alumni were in attendance Saturday night to show support for the new era at UCF after George O’Leary resigned last season. O’Leary served as UCF’s head coach since 2004 but resigned in the middle of last season after his team went 0-8.
Current NFL stars like Blake Bortles, Breshad Perrimen and Brandon Marshall were few of those famous alums that were in attendance Saturday night to support UCF and first-year head coach Scott Frost.
ABOVE VIDEO:Go inside the delightful mind of quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco and also hear from former Knights such as Blake Bortles in UCFKnights.com’s latest installment of the Rise and Conquer series. (Chip Fontanazza, UCF Video Services)
UCF opens the 2016 season at home on September 3 against South Carolina State.
The big test for UCF comes in its second week when they visit The Big House in Ann Arbor to take on Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines. The game will serve as a great measuring stick for a squad that is coming off a disappointing 0-12 season last year.
Last season left a bad taste amongst the UCF faithful, a win against South Carolina State and a good showing in Ann Arbor may revitalize a program that is looking to bring a winner to Central Florida.
“The work is far from over,” said Frost
Countdown to next season is here and only 139 days away from the start of the 2016 football season.
ABOVE VIDEO:Find out what coach turned down a job at NASA and Coach Frost and the Knights continue to go fast at practice.(UCF Knights video)
SEE IMAGES BELOW
Wide Receiver Tre’Quan Smith at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Hayden Jones dragging two defenders at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)UCF celebrates the touchdown at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Tight end Michael Colubiale finishes off the spectacular catch by walking into the end zone at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Tight end Michael Colubiale reels in a spectacular 37-yard touchdown between two defenders at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Running back Taj McGowan celebrates after a nice touchdown Taj McGowan at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Quarterback Justin Holman fights off a defender at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)Quarterback Nick Patti rolling outside the pocket at the 2016 UCF Spring Game. (Colin Ziemer, Space Coast Daily Image)
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