UCF is rolling into this week with their heads held high as they notched their first Big 12 win last week. The fan base has finally taken a deep breath and the civil war they’ve had for most of the season seems to have dissipated for the time being.
However, one thing that people should start to realize is Gus Malzahn’s infatuation with QB John Rhys-Plumlee.
Many fans have noticed the recent QBs that left the program because Malzahn wanted Plumlee and wanted a more mobile QB in his system have had tremendous success. For example, Mikey Keene went to Fresno State and he became a star leading the Bulldogs into the top 25. Thomas Castellanos went to Boston College and nine weeks into the season, he has over 2,400 total yards and 22 total touchdowns. He’s been dynamic on the ground and in the air. He also has BC on a five-game win streak.
It gets worse as Plumlee isn’t even the best QB on his team. Timmy McClain stepped in during Plumlee’s injury and balled out and it didn’t lead to any wins but you can’t knock McClain’s play; he had nine touchdowns to two interceptions. All these guys are either not playing for UCF or riding the bench because Malzahn time and time again is squandering his talent to play a super senior who frankly can’t play QB at the power school level.
So far this season, Plumlee has thrown for eight touchdowns in six games to go along with seven interceptions. His rushing ability is his best attribute but he’s only ran the ball 49 times so far this season. To rarely even use his legs is criminal, especially going into a new conference. Malzahn is dead set on playing Plumlee and at least Knights fans only have to watch this for three more games and the Plumlee era will be officially over.
Fans should be worried about how Malzhan is managing his talent. It’s a cause for concern because this could happen in the future. I know some fans are extremely happy with the current coaching staff and others are still not completely sold. I don’t think Malzahn’s job should be as safe as it is but he’ll be in Orlando for a while and hopefully, he doesn’t scare any more talent away from the Magic Kingdom.