Key Midseason Takeaways as UCF Prepares for No. 8 BYU

The UCF Knights bye week arrived at the perfect time, giving the team a break before facing the No. 8 BYU Cougars next Saturday at Acrisure Bounce House.

UCF faced a hellish gauntlet in back-to-back weeks. The team went on a two-game road trip, losing to the No. 20 Houston Cougars and No. 18 Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Knights proved they have the talent to compete against ranked foes, but struggled to maintain high-level execution for four quarters.

Sitting at 3-3 (1-2 Big 12), coach Scott Frost must stay on pace in the final six games to break a two-year bowl drought.

Here are some midseason takeaways before UCF kicks off the second half of the season at home.

KEYONE JENKINS HAS GROWN COMFORTABLE AS A STARTER

Frost named Jenkins the starter in Week 3 against the Georgia State Panthers. He was tasked to carry the offense in the absence of star transfer Alonza Barnett III.

The senior had a rocky start, throwing for 86 yards and one passing touchdown, and added two rushing touchdowns.

Jenkins grew more comfortable each week, and his passing yards increased. He threw 160 yards the following week and recorded a season-high 265 last week against Oklahoma State.

His areas of improvement are limiting turnovers and trusting his arm strength to open UCF’s deep passing game.

UCF’S REGRESSED AS PASSING DEFENSE, IMPROVED IN TURNOVER GENERATION

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch transformed the Knights into a top-3 passing defense in his first season.

His unit allowed 185.1 yards per game, but struggled to generate takeaways. It’s the opposite this season, 236.8 yards per game and tallying 10 turnovers.

UCF forced a turnover in every game, but Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Panthers. The turnaround is impressive, but the defense took one step forward and another step back.

KNIGHTS MUST FIGURE OUT SECOND-HALF WOES

Second halves are the bane of UCF’s existence. Frost’s squad has scored 14 second-half points and allowed 48 against Houston and Oklahoma State.

These collapses come after a 17-point third-quarter lead against the Cougars and tying the Cowboys with 21 points at halftime.

Upsetting a ranked opponent during this tough stretch is crucial. It alleviates some pressure on UCF to finish the season winning three of its last five games.

UCF has a difficult test ahead facing No. 8 BYU, which is fresh off upsetting the No. 2 Notre Fighting Irish on Saturday.