Memo to UCF: Nobody’s giving you a chance against Dillon Gabriel and Oklahoma

Nobody is giving UCF a chance in their upcoming game against No. 6-ranked Oklahoma. Not me, as I write this column for the Orlando Sentinel. Not you, as you read this column. Not even the oddsmakers. And sadly, not many of UCF’s own fans.

I received a text from a UCF fan who advised Coach Gus Malzahn not to play the starting quarterback, John Rhys Plumlee, in this game. The fan suggested that it would be wiser to rest Plumlee and save him for future games that are more winnable.

The fan’s reasoning is clear: they believe the Knights are going to get crushed by the Sooners, with or without Plumlee. While it’s possible that this may be true, I don’t agree with the strategy of holding back players for easier games.

Back in 2009, former UCF coach George O’Leary made a similar decision when the Knights faced No. 2 Texas. O’Leary chose to rest his key offensive players, quarterback Brett Hodges and running back Brynn Harvey, so they would be ready for an important Conference USA game the following week. Although UCF ended up defeating the No. 15-ranked Cougars, I didn’t support O’Leary’s decision. If players are medically cleared and close to 100%, they should be utilized to help the team win the upcoming game.

This game against Oklahoma is crucial for UCF. In their inaugural season in a big-boy conference, the Knights have had a rude awakening. They currently hold a 0-3 record in Big 12 play, including a bewildering collapse against Baylor and a devastating loss to Kansas. Fans are understandably disappointed, but a victory over Oklahoma could turn things around and restore hope.

Imagine if UCF could defeat Oklahoma and their star quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who left UCF for the glitz and glamor of playing at OU. While Gabriel’s decision is understandable, it would certainly be satisfying for the Knights to spoil his Heisman chances.

UCF fans also have a score to settle with Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, a former UCF coordinator. Many fans wanted UCF to hire Lebby as the head coach, but the school ultimately chose Malzahn. Defeating Lebby and the Sooners in their last year in the Big 12 would be historic and euphoric.

Personally, I don’t believe UCF has to win the game to regain their momentum. If they can just compete and go toe-to-toe with the Sooners, they can change the trajectory of the season. However, if they are blown out, it could lead to a winless remainder of the season and a disappointing 3-9 record.

It’s true that nobody is giving the Knights a chance to win. Not me, not you, and not even some of their own fans. The Vegas oddsmakers have Oklahoma as a three-touchdown favorite. But UCF’s players have faith in themselves and refuse to listen to the critics.

We’ll see what happens on Saturday. Will UCF rise up or continue to struggle? As the famous song from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” goes:

“Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain,

And the wavin’ wheat can sure smell sweet,

Where UCF can rise up or continue to circle the drain.”