Before taking a head coaching job at Nebraska, Scott Frost did an exceptional job at University of Central Florida last season. For a program that was 0-12 prior to the 43-year-old’s arrival in 2016, he turned the school around in two years – guiding it to a perfect 13-0 record in 2017.
The Knights boasted a 4,000-yard passer (McKenzie Milton), a 1,000-yard wide receiver (Tre’Quan Smith) and an inspirational player on defense (Shaquem Griffith) while defeating Auburn University, an institution that handled both Alabama and Georgia in the regular season.
Despite being in a group of five and not a power five conference, multiple national media pundits believed UCF deserved an opportunity to be in the College Football Playoff because of its perfect season. However, in not getting the respect it thinks it deserves, the Knights took matters into its own hands by having a national championship parade and making T-shirts.
One individual that has not taken kindly to the self-promotion is Crimson Tide defensive end, Isaiah Buggs. A former junior college transfer and Louisiana native, Buggs was a valued part of Alabama’s defensive line rotation. He totaled 51 tackles, four tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and seven quarterback hurries through 14 games. After seeing UCF don its national title shirts at Sunday’s Pro Bowl in Orlando, Fla., Buggs took to Twitter in challenging the school to have a tougher schedule.
Since y'all wanna be champs so bad y'all schedule BAMA then‼️‼️ https://t.co/jqcXVsc20f
— Isaiah D. Buggs (@BigPooh_91) January 28, 2018
This move could potentially work as a double-edged sword, especially with seeing how a multitude of analysts believed that the Tide’s schedule was not particular strong. Regardless of Florida State losing quarterback Deondre Francois after the season opener and the Southeastern Conference being down as a whole, not a lot of people would stand to give the Tide a pass.
I didn't know it could be 2 national champs in college football😂😂😂
— Isaiah D. Buggs (@BigPooh_91) January 28, 2018
All in all, Alabama won its fifth national championship in 2017. Should a matchup between the Crimson Tide and Central Florida ensue, it will be interesting to document what happens.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
