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UCF Without Key Defenders Ahead of Baylor Matchup
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- UCF Without Key Defenders Ahead of Baylor Matchup
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
As UCF (4-3) looks to build on the team's historic victory over then-ranked No. 2 BYU , the Knights remain at home to host the Baylor Bears (4-3), who fired their coach following last week's loss to Kansas.
With a Friday night start time, the Knights have a bit less time than normal to recover and prepare for Baylor, while being without some key contributors.
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On Wednesday morning, UCF released an updated injury report ahead of the Space Game matchup, with senior linebacker Lewis Carter and senior defensive back Demari Henderson being two of the most-notable players ruled out.
Carter, who is yet to return since injuring himself in Week 3 against Georgia State, was hailed as the leader of defensive coordinator Alex Grinch's defense entering the season.
He got off to a strong start, recording 24 total tackles through the opening three games.
Thankfully, transfer linebacker Tackett Curtis and recently returned Cole Kozlowski have filled in nicely.
Henderson, on the other hand, is arguably UCF's most-valuable defensive player this season.
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As of Oct. 9, Henderson was graded the top safety in all of FBS college football by Pro Football Network (PFN), coming in at a stellar 96.7.
Against Georgia State, Henderson became the second Knight to have two or more multi-interception games in the last 18 years and just the fourth in program history, recording two interceptions and adding seven tackles.
Following his performance, he was named the Big 12 Conference Player of the Week.
He followed up this showing with another big day against TCU , helping the Knights pick up a conference victory and holding transfer quarterback Jaden Craig in check.
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Henderson once again was among the team leaders in tackles, tying the team-high with five, adding a sack and pass defensed.
The Orlando-native once again had a big day against BYU prior to getting injured, and Grinch will have to adjust without one of his top ball hawks.
Luckily, the defensive backfield is one of the deeper rooms on the team, with Antione Jackson and Jayden Bellamy picking up the slack.
While Baylor is going through some coaching changes, the offense has shown the ability to move the ball consistently.
Former blue-chip high school recruit DJ Lagway remains at the helm of the Bears' quarterbacking duties, and has no shortage of talent to work with.
UCF hosts Baylor Friday night at 7:30 p.m., looking to get back to the program's winning ways in the Space Game.
