UCF defines what it’ll take to succeed in 1st Big 12 season: ‘Bring your A game’

Gus Malzahn knows what it takes to win at the Power Five level.

He did so in the Southeastern Conference while head coach at Auburn before he arrived to UCF more than two years ago.

Now as the Knights enter their inaugural season in the Big 12, Malzahn is hoping to lean on his past experience in the SEC and have success in the new league sooner rather than later.

“It’s everyday bringing your A game,” Malzahn said Thursday at UCF’s team media day. “It’s everyday improving. The number one thing is talent. I really feel like we have a talented roster, but talent only gets you so far.

“It’s taking it one game at time. I know that sounds like coachspeak but that truly is what it is. We’ve got to be the closest team and be the most prepared team.”

What’s defined as a successful season for the Knights depends on who you ask.

UCF was voted to finish eighth (out of 14) in the Big 12 preseason poll but the team has larger aspirations despite being the new kids on the block alongside Cincinnati, Houston and BYU.

“A successful season for us is doing what we can do to prove the standard,” fifth-year offensive lineman Lokahi Pauole said.

To surprise the conference and compete for a Big 12 title in Year 1, the Knights are aware they need to be successful on both sides of the football.

Junior cornerback Brandon Adams shared what UCF’s defense under new coordinator Addison Williams hopes to accomplish.

“We want to get a pass rush on the quarterback, we want to make the quarterback uncomfortable and we want to get turnovers,” he said.

UCF coordinator Addison Williams seeks unity, communication from defense

Senior Kobe Hudson wants fellow receivers to make game-changing plays for new offensive coordinator Darin Hinshaw.

“You can run the ball but in order to impact the game in a big way, you’ve got to make plays down the field,” Hudson said. “We’ve got to make our plays when its called to us. Not every [play] because that’s unrealistic, but nine times out of 10 when the ball is in the air it needs to be ours.”

Making an impact in their first year in the Big 12 will be no easy task and the Knights understand that. UCF, however, feels confident about what can be achieved immediately.

“UCF is a championship program,” Pauole said. “We have championship DNA and everyone here needs to believe it. The great thing for us is we’ve got the guys to do it.”

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.