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3 Defensive Takeaways From UCF's Big 12 Home Opener Win
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- 3 Defensive Takeaways From UCF's Big 12 Home Opener Win
(Mike Watters/Imagn Images)
The UCF Knights ' defense stifled a potent TCU Horned Frogs offense, limiting quarterback Jaden Craig and spoiling star wide receiver Jordan Dwyer's return .
Craig entered the conference open, fresh off back-to-back 300-plus-yard and three-plus-touchdown performances. Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch praised his accuracy, especially on deep passes, and it burned UCF at times.
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Grinch's secondary gave up some big-yardage plays, but the front seven overwhelmed TCU's offensive line. The Knights held Craig to 25-of-40 passing (62.5% completion rate), lower than his usual 70% completion rate shown in non-conference play.
Saturday's performance is a promising sign for the defense in Big 12 play, showing they can pressure the quarterback and force turnovers.
UCF Defense Launched a Turnover Fest
UCF forced four turnovers against TCU: two interceptions and two fumbles.
Jayden Bellamy started the game with a peanut punch on wide receiver Ed Smalls, and Braeden Marshall recovered the loose ball. An early turnover put the offense in position to score in six plays.
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Bellamy made an impact again, shadowing tight end Ka'Morreun Pimpton and intercepting Craig.
Craig threw his second interception with less than two minutes remaining. He sailed a pass into the end zone; after facing pressure from Jeffson Lafontant and Antione Jackson caught the game-sealing takeaway.
Knights Run Defense Neutralized TCU's Payne
Payne entered Saturday's game with 307 yards, 10 more than UCF's Duke Watson. The Knights' run defense allowed 203 yards against Georgia State last weekend.
They did a complete 180-degree turnaround against TCU, allowing 33 yards (1.2 yards per carry).
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The Horned Frogs ' rushing attack went nowhere, as nearly every attempt met a Knights defender behind the line of scrimmage. It forced offensive coordinator Gordon Sammis to rely on Craig's arm, as he threw 40 times, the most he's thrown this season.
Lafontant Was the Ultimate Disruptor
Lafontant wreaked havoc against TCU. He finished with four tackles, one sack and 2.5 tackles for loss.
The redshirt junior pressured Craig and the running backs multiple times in the backfield. Lafontant had back-to-back plays blowing up a run, then got his lone sack on Craig in the first quarter.
His late-game pressure led to the game-sealing interception. TCU felt Lafontant's presence all game, and it opened the gates for his teammate to capitalize.
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UCF finished with a season-high four sacks.
The defense continues to make plays, and it's a promising sign that is carrying over into Big 12 play. The Knights' secondary and front seven have proven to be formidable against any team they face.
