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UCF's Defense Forces Three Turnovers in 44-30 Victory
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- UCF's Defense Forces Three Turnovers in 44-30 Victory
(IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters Connect)
While the UCF defense did struggle to get stops at times, the Knights were aggressive and prioritized making the big plays, forcing three interceptions.
Georgia State quarterback Cameran Brown deserves some credit for the way he moved the ball down the field, but the Knights' secondary made him pay on some ill-advised throws.
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Linebacking Duo
Lewis Carter and Tackett Curtis continue to anchor a UCF defense in the middle, posting high-tackle games and consistently filling gaps in the run game.
On Saturday, it was Curtis leading the way with ten tackles, while Carter recorded nine takedowns.
Georgia State did find some success in the run game, but a majority of the Panthers' 203 rushing yards came on a 78-yard score.
Outside of that breakdown, UCF continued to dominate in the trenches and shut down consistent running opportunities.
Curtis also recorded his first takeaway as a Knight, notching an interception.
Secondary Play
UCF's defensive backs were all over the field on Saturday, with senior defensive back Demari Henderson continuing his impressive start to the season.
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After recording six tackles and forcing a tackle for loss against Pittsburgh, Henderson notched seven tackles, two interceptions, and a pass defensed against Georgia State, doing it all for defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.
Henderson's second takeaway ended the game, and solidified a career performance from the Florida local.
Senior defensive back Jayden Williams also had a strong game next to Henderson, bringing down six Panthers.
The defensive backfield continues to look like one of UCF's deepest units, with talent and speed littered throughout the room.
Special Teams
While often overlooked, UCF's special teams operations have been sound up to this point of the season.
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Placekicker Will Stone continues to knock down all of his attempts, making all five extra points and three field goal opportunities.
The 6-foot-2 senior made from 40, 29, and 24.
Senior punter Atticus Bertrams had a strong day as well, averaging over 50 yards a punt on his limited opportunities.
The Panthers did not record a return on any of his kicks, showing Bertrams' ability to limit yardage after the punt.
UCF's offensive production limited Bertrams' opportunities, but he is likely happy with that result.
Heading into the Big 12 Opener against TCU , UCF will have the opportunity to stifle a Horned Frogs' offense that struggled in their only test to this point against North Carolina.
UCF and TCU face off Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Orlando.
