'Fire Gus': UCF coach Gus Malzahn under fire from Knights fans after failed 2-point try
Editor's note: This story has been changed from its original version.
UCF football came a score away from sending its game against No. 7 Oklahoma into overtime. A questionable play call got Knights fans in a frenzy over coach Gus Malzahn.
Trailing by eight points late in the game in Norman, John Rhys Plumlee floated a perfect pass to Javon Baker for a touchdown that made it 31-29. A 2-point conversion would have tied the game and, barring a last-second drive by Dillon Gabriel and the Sooners, would have led to overtime.
On the try, Plumlee threw the ball behind the line of scrimmage to wide receiver Xavier Townsend. The play called for Townsend to then pass the ball into the end zone, but that got swallowed up quickly. Townsend was thrown for a loss, and after a failed onside kick attempt, Oklahoma held on for the win.
Here’s the ill-fated UCF two pointer to tie. I just don’t get it at all. pic.twitter.com/eTYaympz77
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) October 21, 2023
UCF fans, college football fans react to failed 2-point conversion
Social media was flooded with anguish from UCF fans and laughter from college football fans watching the exciting finish on ABC. A lot of people were critical of UCF coach Gus Malzahn.
Here's a look at some of the reactions:
Way to go Goober Gus! You sir are a TERRIBLE coach
— Kevin Fuller (@FullCat76) October 21, 2023
@CoachGusMalzahn has always been horrible on red zone offense calls.
— KnightBaller (@UCFKnightmares) October 21, 2023
FIRE GUS
— Spooky Sam ⚔️ (UCF 3-3) (@ohheyfritz) October 21, 2023
UCF is embracing its creative side and I think that’s important
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) October 21, 2023
Lmao UCF what the hell was that
— Schu (@tschu_22) October 21, 2023
Welp
— Dee (@dee4728) October 21, 2023
UCF just ran maybe the worst 2-pt play you can imagine.
— Jonathan Cumberland (@81sportsfan) October 21, 2023
UCF just officially ran the worst two point conversion play in football history
— Braiden Turner (@bturner23) October 21, 2023
UCF WHAT TYPE OF PLAYCALL WAS THAT LMAOOOOO
— 7revon.szn (@7revonszn_) October 21, 2023
UCF falls to 3-4 with its fourth straight Big 12 loss.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: UCF football fans react to Gus Malzahn after Oklahoma loss