Scott Frost led the UCF football team through practice Tuesday morning and will coach in the Peach Bowl as planned despite taking the Nebraska job and recruiting against the Knights.
Frost joined UCF athletics director Danny White and Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl CEO and president Gary Stokan for a press conference during which the Knights officially accepted their bowl invitation.
Frost was a surprise guest, fielding questions instead of UCF interim coach Troy Walters after leading the players through their first workout since winning the American Athletic Conference championship.
Frost acknowledged it was an unusual situation and a few things had to be worked out with UCF's administration.
"These aren't ideal circumstances, but we're all dialed in and committed," he said. " ... We're going to be as committed or more committed than if nothing changed."
He praised White and the administration for working with him on logistics so that the coaching staff could put the No. 12 Knights in the best position to defeat No. 7 Auburn Jan. 1.
"It's an honor to be invited to this game," Frost said.
Frost said he didn't plan to discuss his obligations at Nebraska with UCF players and insisted the entire 2017 Knights coaching staff, which followed him to Lincoln and was back in Orlando this week for bowl prep, is focused 100 percent helping the Knights win the bowl.
Frost recalled telling the players Tuesday, " 'It was good to see you again guys and get back to work.' ... That was our message today. We need 100 percent commitment from the staff and the players."
Despite outside distractions and sharing space with new UCF coach Josh Heupel's staff, Frost said the Knights are following an ideal bowl preparation schedule and got a much-needed break last week after playing 12 consecutive games without a bye due to Hurricane Irma.
"It felt like coming home to these guys," Frost said. "The energy on the field was awesome. So the guys were excited about playing."
.jpg?w=600)
