UCF Defense Focused on Improving After Historic Win Over BYU

The UCF Knights are high on momentum after a historic upset over the then-No. 2 BYU Cougars, but they remain even-keeled ahead of Friday's Space Game.

UCF's defense showed up last Saturday, fighting through big yardage plays from BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier and recording crucial stops.

Bachmeier completed 28-yard and 32-yard passes on back-to-back plays in the second quarter, leading to a 1-yard touchdown run and regaining the lead. Linebacker Tackett Curtis caught his second career interception in the Cougars' following drive after defensive tackle Thomas Collins tipped the quarterback's pass.

The Knights forced a three-and-out with under a minute left, giving themselves a chance to kick the game-winning field goal.

BYU tested safety Ty Bartrum, who replaced an injured Demari Henderson, in double overtime. Bartrum made key stops in the final drive of double overtime, and UCF made program history by upsetting an AP Top-5 team.

Defensive tackle Jeffson Lafontant said the team got over last Saturday's win and is focused on getting better for Friday's matchup against the Baylor Bears.

UCF left the game with a turnover advantage, but couldn't generate pressure against Bachmeier. The team finished with one sack in its third straight game.

Part of its struggles is that the Cougars' offensive line is one of the Big 12's best position groups. They tied with the Kansas State Wildcats for three sacks allowed entering Week 8.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch could see the improved pass rush he's wanted to see since Week 6. Baylor's offensive line has given up 14 sacks this season, tying Iowa State for sixth-most in the conference.

Lafontant is having a breakout year and has wreaked havoc pressuring the quarterback. He's second on the team in sacks with two, trailing EDGE Isaiah Nixon with 2.5.

The Bears are the fourth-worst rushing attack in the Big 12, averaging 146.1 yards per game. A hefty defensive tackle unit featuring Lafontant and Horace Lockett should have their first standout run defense game since holding the TCU Horned Frogs to 33 yards in Week 4.

The Knights aim to avenge last season's Space Game loss and bounce back from one of their worst losses, handed to them by the Bears.

Aranda's squad blew them out 30-3. Big 12 passing leader Sawyer Robertson threw for 267 yards and three touchdowns to future NFL teammates Kole Wilson, Michael Trigg and Josh Cameron.

It was their second-largest loss of the season, trailing behind a 39-point blowout to the then-No. 6 Texas Tech Red Raiders.