UCF vs. Kansas football preview: 3 things to know about each team

Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; UCF Knights head coach Gus Malzahn looks on during the first quarter against the Villanova Wildcats at FBC Mortgage Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

1. UCF is not the only team dealing with quarterback injuries

Timmy McClain has been UCF’s signal caller since Week 3 for UCF. That is because star quarterback John Rhys Plumlee suffered a severe leg injury against Boise State and has been held out since. The Knights’ head coach, Gus Malzahn, is unsure of whether he will suit up this weekend.

UCF finished 9-5 with an appearance in the AAC Championship game under the guidance of Plumlee. He is a dual-threat who can beat you with his arm or legs. There is a significant drop-off between him and the southpaw McClain.

Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels is also dealing with an ailment. The chances of him playing this week are looking slimmer by the day. From the looks of it, both teams will be rolling out with their backups this week.