When the UCF Knights take the field for their 2021 home opener Thursday night against Boise State, fans will surely be on watch for all things new: new coach, new staff, new recruits, new transfers, new schemes, and definitely new plays.

UCF Knights Head Coach Gus Malzahn will be making his black and gold coaching debut against Boise State.  Along side Malzahn will be a staff in which most have never experienced The Bounce House, let alone know how the songs Zombie Nation, Booyah, & Springen relate to football(FYI, it’s their pregame intro song mix).  But we can all give them a pass on that because of the insane amount of work the staff has done with the team and program in their short 7 month relationship.

Less than 7 months ago, the UCF Football team did not even have a definitive head coach.  Beginning with the hire of Malzahn in mid February, UCF assembled a highly talented and respected staff. Malzahn’s staff then quickly went to work developing their current team roster and instilling a new culture, while also promoting the brand, The Future of College Football, to potential transfers and recruits – and with great success.  

During their Spring Game in April, UCF displayed many new looks and plays. One of which included a Wildcat formation in which defensive lineman, #22 Kalia Davis lined up as the quarterback.  In the play, he faked to the running back and kept the ball powering for the first down.  An interesting point is that UCF has another #22, Damarius Good, who is a true running back and a really “good” one.

It is a given that #22 Good will see his share of carrying the rock for UCF.  The question is will #22 Davis get his chance to shine as well.  Although it would be sort of neat to see both #22’s in the Wildcat formation at the same time with Davis fake optioning to Good, then powering forward for some yards, it is against the rules.  Under the current rules, two players can have the same jersey number but cannot be on the field of play at the same time.  It has happened, however, in the not too distant past.  Maryland in 2017 and Michigan State in 2016 both of which were penalized.  Coincidentally in Michigan State’s case, both players were wearing the #22.

Malzahn did state in the Spring Game post game press conference that they would run the Wildcat this season.  He just did not tip cap, or in his case a visor, as when that may happen.  Should Malzahn call big #22 Davis’ number, it’s a safe bet that the game ending stat lines will reflect two #22’s with positive rushing yards.

Boise State vs UCF at The Bounce House – Kick off at 7pm & televised on ESPN

(Photos: Sean Russell & Cameron Robertson/FAAZ Sports)