The second UCF offseason mailbag options questions on Scott Frost’s contract, a disappointing Yr 2 within the Huge 12 and Memorial Day munchies.
What are your ideas on (UCF) Athletics, together with the bowl recreation = further 12 months clause on Scott’s contract? Wasn’t the benefit of hiring Frost that he was to be comparatively “low cost” as an undesirable commodity? — @BrianWPeterson.
Athletic administrators have an extended historical past of working with clauses in coaches’ contracts, however that is the primary time I’ve seen such clauses at UCF. This clause was included to reward Frost if he led the Knights to a bowl recreation in his first season. It’s akin to betting on oneself, so to talk. If UCF turns into bowl-eligible in Yr 1 — which is actually doable — he’ll obtain a further 12 months on his contract and an additional $5.25 million. If not, then the college isn’t out any cash, though it’s secure to say that if Frost has a profitable tenure, he’ll obtain a contract extension sooner or later.
The issue that may happen is that if UCF does qualify for a bowl recreation this season after which struggles anytime over the following 4 seasons, the college could be on the hook for the sixth 12 months in the case of the buyout, which, in keeping with the contract, is 75% of the assured compensation.
It’s a threat, contemplating Frost has posted one profitable season in seven seasons as a head coach, nevertheless it supplies long-term stability for a program that has had 4 coaches during the last 9 seasons. It’s secure to say that if Frost doesn’t discover success, it might be expensive for the division.
UCF mailbag: What grade do the Knights’ offseason strikes get?
What went improper with KJ (Jefferson) and the analysis course of behind it? — @LastFloridian89.
Within the pantheon of unexplainable issues on this world, what went improper with KJ Jefferson final season might be amongst issues like Bigfoot, UFOs and the place that one sock goes within the dryer.
Expectations had been Jefferson would assist the Knights take a step ahead in Yr 2 of the Huge 12, however from the second he arrived on campus, one thing appeared off. Coaches by no means shared with the media if there have been points, hyping his management and total skillset. So, there was little perception to glean from them.
Jefferson confirmed promise in wins over New Hampshire and Sam Houston, however his means to guide UCF again from a 21-point deficit in opposition to TCU eased considerations. Nevertheless, back-to-back losses to Colorado and Florida led to his benching, and he didn’t communicate to the media once more. Coaches famous his management in serving to different quarterbacks. What transpired behind the scenes stays unclear.
This highlights the significance of fastidiously evaluating expertise from the portal.
Is that this 12 months probably the most disappointing efficiency in UCF athletics historical past? Who shares extra duty….Terry or is that this leap to the B12 that powerful of a transition?….doesn’t seem our counterparts are struggling as dangerous as we’re. — @GoldenKnight_II.
The 12 months has had its share of ups and downs. Girls’s tennis and rowing groups received Huge 12 titles, however the soccer program’s sudden decline is regarding, particularly after a bowl bid in its first Huge 12 season. Males’s basketball struggled with accidents, and the ladies’s crew hasn’t made anticipated progress. Baseball was anticipated to enhance, however as a substitute regressed and missed the convention match.
These setbacks are primarily attributable to challenges associated to the transition to the Huge 12 somewhat than inner athletics division points.
Anytime you transition from a Group of 5 convention to a Energy 4, will probably be powerful, particularly contemplating the monetary limitations. Not simply within the athletic budgets but additionally in identify, picture and likeness (NIL) offers.
UCF receives its full share of income from the Huge 12 this season, which ought to assist. Nevertheless, how the athletic division handles the swap to a revenue-sharing mannequin this season will decide how lengthy it takes different packages to start out making strikes within the convention.
In honor of Memorial Day weekend, how do you gussy up a grilled hotdog, burger or sausage? — @MrEd315.
Nothing beats an excellent char on a scorching canine or sausage.
In our family, we prepare dinner them in a combination of Sabrett onions in sauce and low cost beer in a cast-iron skillet or foil pan till they’re cooked by. We then switch them to the grill to get some char however maintain the onion and beer combination nonetheless cooking, and it’ll thicken up. As soon as cooked, high the new canines or sausage with the combination.
We’re a smash burger family for hamburgers, so prepare dinner them on a griddle till crispy.
Please discover me on X, Bluesky or Instagram @osmattmurschel. Electronic mail: mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Join the Sentinel’s Knights Weekly publication for a roundup of all our UCF protection.