UCF DC Alex Grinch Pleased With Defensive Performance in Kansas Win

The UCF Knights' defense bounced back from a zero-turnover performance against the Baylor Bears, forcing two turnovers against the Kansas Jayhawks in last Saturday's win.

Defensive back Antione Jackson recovered a fumble from Kansas running back Dylan Edwards, and Jayden Williams forced a fumble from running back Khijohn Cummings-Coleman. UCF failed to capitalize on the first fumble and scored after the second.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch said the two takeaways were "massive plays in the game." Without those fumbles, the Knights' road losing streak may have extended to 13 straight.

Williams forced Cummings-Coleman to fumble in the third quarter. Braeden Marshall recovered and returned it to the Kansas 46-yard line.

Quarterback Alonza Barnett III zipped a 44-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Derry, extending UCF's lead to 26-7. The Knights held a 19-point cushion until the Jayhawks scored 25 unanswered to regain a 1-point lead, 33-26.

Barnett led the game-winning drive in the final minute to snap a 12-game road losing streak, the second-longest skid in program history.

Grinch and the defense have emphasized generating turnovers since last season. They believe takeaways are a significant factor in wins and losses.

UCF recorded zero turnovers in its worst loss of the season to Baylor. Linebacker Tackett Curtis intercepted quarterback Bear Bachmeier in a historic upset over the then-No. 2 BYU Cougars on Oct. 24.

Curtis' pick was the game's lone turnover. He stopped a potent Cougars drive that marched into Knights territory, and his offense rewarded his takeaway with a touchdown to enter halftime up 17-14.

Grinch's defensive unit has improved at generating turnovers this season. They rank sixth in the Big 12 in interceptions and fumbles with six, and are in a four-way tie for first with seven recovered fumbles.

UCF faces the Arizona State Sun Devils with bowl eligibility on the line. Arizona State is the eighth-best passing team, throwing 248.2 yards per game, and the fourth-worst rushing team, running for 136.7 yards per game.

The defense aims to string together multiple turnovers for the first time since Baylor broke its five-game streak of recording one or more takeaways.

It's promising that the Knights have improved from a turnover standpoint, which played a key role in ending last season 5-7.

UCF failed to force turnovers in their losses against Kansas, the Cincinnati Bearcats, BYU and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

Last season's loss to Kansas shows why turnovers have a significant influence in the game.