Throughout three non-conference games, the UCF Knights have etched their name in the top NCAA rankings in a three-way tie as the No. 2 red zone defense in the nation.
UCF shares the No. 2 ranking with Penn State and Maryland. The red zone is the final 20 yards before the end zone, where the offense looks to score. Stopping opponents in the red zone is crucial because it gives offenses two scenarios to consider: settle for a field goal, which is three points, or take a risk and attempt to convert a 4th down to reset the downs or score a touchdown.
For the Knights, their opponents have had a total of six opportunities in the red zone, but have only converted 50% of their attempts. This ranks well against other teams, as UCF is far from having 18 red zone attempts, like its fellow Big 12 team, Kansas State. This highlights the defense's ability to generate pressure and force turnovers, limiting their opponents' red zone attempts.
Third downs are presumably a team’s last chance of achieving a first down, unless they settle for a field goal, which is extremely common. In this category, UCF has done a stellar job at preventing its opponents from converting 3rd downs, as they only convert 28.9% of their third downs.
Led by defensive coordinator Alex Grinch, it is a point of emphasis to win the turnover battle against their opponents. Fewer possessions lessen the margin of error for the opposition, as the Knights tend to capitalize on mistakes made by the opposing team.
After UCF’s 34-9 victory in Saturday’s matchup against Bill Belichick and the North Carolina Tar Heels, EDGE Nyjalik Kelly spoke on the defense’s mindset.
“I mean, all spring, when Coach Grinch first got here, he always said ‘11 hats to the ball,’” Kelly said. “If one person misses and it’s 10 people around him, he’s going to go down. I don’t think nobody’s going to break 10 tackles. So as long as we’re 11 hats to the ball and we’re flying, I think we’ll be straight.”
The Knights’ stout defense has held their opponents to an average of 8.7 points, which is tied for sixth in the nation alongside the Arizona Wildcats. However, UCF enters its rigorous stretch of the season, where the Knights will only face fellow Big 12 teams. UCF has dominated non-conference opponents, but it’s a different story when conference rivals enter the atmosphere.
The Knights' next two matchups are against Kansas State this Saturday and Kansas on Oct. 4. UCF’s defense averages 246 total yards allowed, while Kansas State’s offense averages 320.8 total yards, and Kansas’ offense averages 414 total yards. Stats can support the Knights holding both teams below their averages, but stats never present the full picture.
Coming into the Bill Snyder Family Stadium 3-0, the Knights, who etched their names as the No. 2 red zone defense in the nation, look to continue their defensive dominance against the Kansas State Wildcats this Saturday at noon on FS1.