Gus Malzahn and UCF are a good match that could fail

Gus Malzahn and his gimmicky, cartoon-like offense are a perfect fit in the Mickey Mouse world of Orlando, FL.

Many Alabama football fans hoped Gus Malzahn would coach in Auburn forever. With a couple of fluke wins over the Alabama Crimson Tide, Malzahn was elevated in stature way above his actual ability.

Granted there was a time when Gus’ high-school offense and hurry-up style changed college football. He didn’t invent what was already widespread in Texas high school football, but he ramped it up into a legitimate college-level, offensive system.

It took a few seasons, but college football adjusted. Defenses were by a rule change given time to substitute. More attention was given to offensive linemen too far downfield on pass plays. The two changes did not neuter Gus’ offense but they minimized its effectiveness. Gus was not able to adapt.

The result was an Auburn program that averaged 4.8 losses over Gus’ last seven Auburn seasons. His overall eight-season record on the Plains was a mediocre 68-35. It takes quite a spin on reality to define coaching success as losing one-third of games.

Somehow, though tarnished, Gus held on to the label of an ‘Offensive Guru.’ He was at best an average recruiter. Clear-thinking Auburn fans will admit his failure to consistently sign top offensive line talent was a major failing.

Happy UCF fans might be right about one thing. Gus might be an upgrade over Josh Heupel. Whether he proves to be or not, expectations are high in Orlando. Many in the sports world are giving UCF credit for a great hire. Being the last coach to defeat a Nick Saban team is the proof offered. Two pick-sixes by a not yet ready Mac Jones, filling in for an injured Tua, and a missed Alabama field goal determined that game’s outcome. Gus and his team were lucky to win.

Gus is a good fit for a college football program built on deluding itself into believing it is a national power. Many in the national sports media seize on any opportunity to hype a Group of Five team.

What the tweet ignores is in those three seasons, going back to 2018, UCF has beaten one ranked team. That win was over another Group of Five team, Cincinnati. Give former UCF AD (and current Tennessee AD) Danny White credit; he can make preposterous claims without reservations.

Some college football fans have a different view than ESPN and the celebrating UCF fanbase. One summed up the Gus hire perfectly.

"The glorified high school PE teacher Gus Malzahn is now their HC."

Danny White to Tennesee and Gus Malzahn to UCF are good fits. Just not for the reasons the two fanbases claim.