Scott Frost called the wrong wristband play near UCF's own goal line at Pittsburgh after ink bled on his call sheet. Lovelace then forced a safety. After the Knights' 12-7 loss, Frost accepted responsibility for an offense that struggled to line up and motion, questioning whether the staff had put too much into the plan.
Against Georgia State on Saturday, Frost needs to give the quarterback manageable calls and get everyone lined up correctly. Kickoff is 7 p.m. ET on ESPN+, and UCF has an 81% win probability. The Knights should be expected to win, even without Barnett.
Alonza Barnett III limped off immediately before the final fourth-down snap at Pitt, and Keyone Jenkins replaced him. Frost initially said he hoped it was a cramp. That uncertainty has since been replaced by a confirmed significant hamstring injury. Barnett will miss Georgia State, with the duration of his absence still being evaluated. At his September 14 news conference, Frost declined to name Saturday's starter.
Jenkins offers experience if he gets the call. He transferred from FIU with 6,713 career passing yards. Whoever starts, Frost's preparation needs to make the next decision easier. A manageable set of calls, correctly aligned receivers and coordinated motion would be encouraging before the ball even leaves the quarterback's hands.
The blockers and backs have work to do, too. UCF managed only 20 net rushing yards on 22 attempts at Pitt. The downpour complicates any sweeping judgment about the offense, but Frost's account identified problems the staff could address. Against Georgia State, productive early-down runs would help keep the replacement quarterback out of repeated obvious passing situations.
Ric'Darious Farmer deserves continued opportunities. With Duane Thomas Jr. absent at Pitt, Farmer started and caught four passes for a career-high 52 yards, including a 35-yard reception. That performance gives the next quarterback a reason to look his way; it also gives fans something specific to watch beyond the identity of the starter. Can Farmer turn that opportunity into another game of useful catches?
The defense supplied firmer encouragement at Pittsburgh, holding the Panthers scoreless after halftime. UCF is replacing Malachi Lawrence, last season's team leader with seven sacks, so pressure from several players matters. Horace Lockett and Ken Talley shared the Knights' only sack at Pitt, and seven defenders received credit for quarterback hurries. Those contributions are encouraging without establishing that the rush can consistently finish plays. Georgia State has allowed no sacks through two games; getting its quarterback on the ground would be a satisfying next step.
The interactive guide has the season forecasts, with the methodology explaining how they are calculated.
TCU visits next week for a Big 12 game. Against Georgia State, watch what happens before the snap. Frost needs to give Barnett's replacement a manageable call, and the receivers need to get aligned and complete their motion on time.