Chris Beard addresses challenges that UCF brings

Believe it or not, Ole Miss is the last undefeated team in the Southeastern Conference after their first eight games under Chris Beard. Now, to push that mark to 9-0, they’ll have to be ready to handle their second major opponent of the season in Orlando when they tip off with UCF on Sunday.

Beard spoke highly of the Knights during a press conference on Thursday. He started with his respect for their head coach, Johnny Dawkins, as it’s clear that he has Central Florida playing like a well-oiled machine.

“A really good team. It starts with Coach (Dawkins),” said Beard. “He’s been doing this for a long time, he has built programs. So, obviously, we have a lot of respect for him.”

“It doesn’t take long when you see the team play that they’re well-coached. They have an identity,” said Beard.

From there, Beard went into the details of their roster. Those characteristics have changed a bit, though, after the program’s move up to the Big 12. As such, they have players that have features that fit that league – a spot that Beard is all too familiar with.

“In terms of personnel? It’s a Big 12 team,” Beard said. “Got great size, great guard play, good point guard play. Their scoring comes in a variety of ways.”

“To me, having been in the Big 12 for most of my career? I understand what that means – just like the SEC. It’s one of the best leagues in the country,” said Beard.

At 6-2 overall, UCF is off to a decent start to their season. Following two seasons at Ball State, transfer guard Jaylin Sellers is leading them in scoring at 20.6 points per game. They’re also posting some of the better defensive metrics in the nation per KenPom, albeit against mild competition.

That’s why, come their matchup this weekend, Beard and the Rebels are certainly going to give UCF their due respect. It’s a road contest that they’re ready for as he wants to see what they’re made of again with how they play against and if they’re able to handle the Knights.

“When you start talking about playing a Big 12 opponent? It’s a great challenge. You start talking about playing on their home floor? It intensifies the challenge,” said Beard. “So, to me, it’s opportunity week.”

“It’s a great game, glad the game was scheduled,” Beard said. “It gives us a chance to kind of see where we’re at against a team that we’ve got a lot of respect for.”