ORLANDO — Gus Malzahn kept repeating the same word.
“Spark.”
That’s what the UCF Knights’ head coach wanted by making a quarterback change against the Cincinnati Bearcats Saturday.
For the first time this season, someone other than KJ Jefferson started behind center. Freshman EJ Colson received the nod. He played three drives, including the first two of the game, before redshirt sophomore Jacurri Brown took over.
Brown led all three of the Knights’ scoring drives during their third straight loss, 19-13 at FBC Mortgage Stadium.
“With the team we have, I just felt like we needed a spark,” Malzahn said. “That’s what we did. KJ, he’s a winner. There’s no doubt. But I just felt real strong that we needed a spark and to make changes. There were sparks at times (Saturday).”
EJ Colson gets the start
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 12: EJ Colson #12 of the UCF Knights drops back to throw a pass in the first half of a game against the Cincinnati Bearcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium on October 12, 2024 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Jefferson, a sixth-year Arkansas transfer, captained UCF’s offense during the first five contests. He completed 59% of his throws — his lowest mark since 2020 — for 1,012 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. He added 193 yards and two scores on 61 carries.
So Malzahn flipped to a 17-year-old.
He said Colson earned the start based on his last few weeks of practice. The Byron, Georgia, native arrived on campus in June. Originally a three-star member of the Knights’ 2025 recruiting class, he reclassified in December, signing a year early.
“He has that ‘it’ factor,” Malzahn said.
Jacurri Brown leads all three UCF scoring drives
Oct 12, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Jacurri Brown (11) looks to pass in front of Cincinnati Bearcats…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ucf-knights-football-gus-malzahn-090636394.html
Author : Daytona Beach News-Journal
Publish date : 2024-10-13 09:06:36
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