UCF Head Coach Josh Heupel
Opening statement…
I thought we came out and played really well in all three phases. I talked about adversity a lot with the guys over the last eight months, and they handled it so well. It’s a very mature group that woke up ready to play. I’m really proud of what they’ve done here. Our goal was to go 1-0, and that’s what we did here.
Update on Aaron Robertson…
He’s going to be okay. He’s going to stay overnight. We’ll monitor him to make sure he’s going to be okay in the long term.
On how the offense adjusted to an faster pace …
We did play with pace. We created a bunch of big plays. Our skill players did a really good job of pushing their defensive backs off of them with some of their deep shots. I thought the offensive line did a great job with protection. I thought McKenzie had a clean pocket. It’s critical for us to keep him upright and healthy. Again, I think it starts with the run game for us. Their ability for us to be physical was key for us. They gave us a four-man front, after they ran a three-man all last year. We didn’t prepare for that. Our kids did a tremendous job of adjusting on the field. Our coaching staff did a great job of adjusting the schemes. I’m really proud of what they were able to accomplish on that side of the ball.
On the play of McKenzie Milton…
First of all, I was just worries for Aaron. I went out there to make sure that he was alright. I believe he is going to be okay. I was concerned with the emotion of the team after a guy goes down on the first play of the game. Their concern was with Aaron as well. Once we knew he was going to be okay, it allowed our guys to settle back in and just play the game. They did a great job of handling that with their composure. I think it speaks to the potential maturity of the players we have on this team.
On picking up his first win as a head coach…
It means we’re 1-0. I’m excited for our players and our staff. You work for eight months at something, you want it to bare good fruit, and it did tonight. I’m excited to get out there and work with these kids every day. I love how the players have opened their arms and grasped onto what we’re trying to do in our overall philosophy and who we are as coaches. In eight months, this group has gotten pretty close. I’m looking forward to this journey.
On the scoring drives being under three minutes…
When you’re players are executing very well, it can go fast. We’re not in a race in anything else than trying to go 1-0. When the tempo provides an opportunity for us, we’re going to use it. The kids have handled it and grasped onto it very well.
On Milton’s ability to throw the deep ball…
He was really accurate with his deep balls all night long. All his throws that were incomplete, it felt like he threw them the way I wanted him to throw them. I’m pleased with the progress he’s been able to make. He’s a great passer and decision maker.
UCF Quarterback McKenzie Milton
On how the offseason helped the offense roll…
It was a lot of fun to go out and play another game and the first one since January 1st. I felt the offseason went by kind of fast, but that’s what happens when you’re having fun. We have a great group of guys. It shows the work we put in this offseason.
On playing fast…
I give a lot of credit to our strength staff for getting us in the right condition to play that fast. I give a lot of credit to Coach Heup and the offensive coaches for getting us to push that tempo. They called some great plays to put us in some great situations to score points. I think we need to keep the progression going.
On seeing Darriel Mack’s touchdown run…
Man, that was cool. I’ve watched that a bunch in practice going back to his freshman year. He’s going to be a special player for this program.
UCF Linebacker Pat Jasinski
On being back out on the field…
It was great. Getting out there in pregame, then getting out there for the first snap is an awesome feeling. You can’t really describe it. Everyone was happy to back out on the field.
On the quick turnaround because the offense scored so quickly…
When they’re scoring, it’s a good thing. I don’t think anyone is upset with having to go back out there so fast. When they’re successful and putting up points like that, there’s nothing you can complain about.
UCF Defensive Back Richie Grant
On picking up three turnovers…
It’s the first game, so we have some stuff to work on. Overall, I feel like we did pretty good. I thought we hit our goals. We have a little to work on, which is pretty normal for a first game.
On his interception…
I just wanted to do it for my teammates. It was a long drive right before the half. I made a read, and coach called the right play. I was in the right spot to make the play.
UCF Wide Receiver Tre Nixon
On making a big impact in the opening game…
When I made the transition from Ole Miss to UCF, I wanted to bring my skill set to the team and utilize them to be really good. After watching Coach at Mizzouri, I knew he loved to take shots and go deep. I loved everything about that.
On how much fun scoring so quickly was…
It’s a blast. It’s a challenge getting in shape, but it’s a lot of fun to play in. It’s fun to constantly take shots and see the defense get worn out. I’m used to it, because I do it at practice every day. It’s really fun to play in.