Grinch demands more takeaways to flip games. With added depth and returning talent, UCF's defense aims to turn pressure into crucial turnovers this season.
UCF defensive coordinator Alex Grinch preached about generating turnovers last season, and the message remains the same at UCF's second spring practice.
Grinch is a proponent of takeaways influencing the outcome of a football game. UCF started the last year well by generating seven turnovers in four games, but struggled the rest of the season.
"I think number one, you circle, highlight and scream from the rooftops from a takeaway standpoint," Grinch said. "That's something that wins and loses football games. Unfortunately, we found out the latter of the two, which is that we lost more games last year than we won because we didn't get enough takeaways."
The Knights failed to force turnovers in their losses against the Kansas Jayhawks, Cincinnati Bearcats, Brigham Young Cougars and Texas Tech Red Raiders.
UCF's loss against Kansas is a supporting example of Grinch's philosophy.
Former Knights quarterback Tayven Jackson fumbled the ball after getting sacked, and the Jayhawks recovered the fumble at the two-yard line. The Jayhawks scored off the turnover, ultimately winning 27-20.
The Knights sported a 4-4 record in games in which they recorded a turnover. They ended the season ranked 10th in the Big 12 in interceptions at nine and fumbles at eight.
Although Grinch led his secondary to become a top-three pass defense, the lack of turnover generation made it tough for UCF to succeed.
This year, the improved depth gained from the transfer portal and high school recruiting could help achieve Grinch's goal. Depth allows Grinch to swap out tired legs for energized legs.
"It's not a bad thing if you're playing 40 snaps as opposed to 80 snaps," Grinch said. "You'll get your best football, and we'll get the best version of you. So that was a major thing coming off of last year."
UCF's defense struggled with injuries last season, and the lack of playmakers played a significant role in not generating turnovers. With key players like defensive tackle Horace Lockett and Sincere Edwards returning from injury, it should be different.
Grinch's philosophy hasn't changed since last season, and with his new additions to the defense, he's expecting his players to generate turnovers and increase the Knights' chances of winning.
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