The UCF Knights have managed to put up 48, 31 and 35 points on offense in the last three weeks — all while starting quarterback John Rhys Plumlee has sat out.
Now, with a previously unbeaten Kansas team on deck and the Knights suddenly staring at an 0-3 start in their first year as a Big 12 member, will UCF get Plumlee back?
Update On John Rhys Plumlee, UCF’s Dual-Threat QB
Per Stephen Leonard of 247Sports on Sunday, Oct. 1, Plumlee is making his attempt back from his leg injury. However, he’s yet to be cleared ahead of the KU game.
Darin Hinshaw excited to John Rhys Plumlee back at practice this week, a decision will be made on the Knights’ starter’s status for Kansas after seeing him practice
— STEPHEN LEON🅰️RD (@SLeonard247) October 1, 2023
The Knights, per Leonard, are undergoing an evaluation period with their starter.
Coincidentally, there was a full-padded Plumlee sighting before the Saturday Baylor game. However, there was a noticeable brace over his right leg.
#UCF QBs getting warmed up.. is there a Agent 10 siting 👀👀👀@jahqueal9 ⚔️ @JohnRhysPlumlee pic.twitter.com/qD60zfCyOb
— Elite Empire Athletes™ (@EliteEmpireATH) September 30, 2023
UCF Offense Production in the Absence of Plumlee
Plumlee has been missing since the Boise State contest.
In his absence, Timmy McClain has kept the offensive machine in the Orlando region going. McClain, a sophomore and University of South Florida transfer, has thrown for 872 yards in three games. Along with averaging 290.6 yards per game, McClain has limited his turnovers — throwing for seven touchdowns and only two interceptions.
His first start resulted in a 321-yard outing in the 48-14 romp of Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) opponent Villanova. His Big 12 debut versus Kansas State witnessed three touchdown passes and 264 yards.
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However, the current Big 12 run has witnessed some struggles. McClain was sacked four times in the loss to KSU. Then, versus Baylor, McClain was held to 234 yards, two touchdown passes but picked off once and sacked once in the Bears’ 36-35 win.
Regardless, post JRP, the Knights are still a top 20 offense in points per game at 37.6, plus is averaging 545.8 yards per game.
Kansas, meanwhile, allowed 40 points in its first loss of the season versus Texas. The Jayhawks defense is surrendering an average of 26.2 points per game.