Consistent UCF Defensive Effort Plays Big Role in Historic Upset

UCF finally capitalized on the various upset opportunities the team has had through the opening weeks of the season, knocking off No. 2 BYU on Saturday evening.

The offense did a great job of mixing in the run ad the pass, with Keyone Jenkins recording four total touchdowns and over 300 total yards.

But, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch deserves a lot of credit for scheming together another solid performance.

Although the Knights struggled to generate sacks against BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, the front seven did a good job of containing the Cougars' potent run game.

Bachmeier, who is one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the Big 12, was held to just 37 yards on the ground, with his longest rush going for nine.

Entering the game, making Bachmeier and the BYU offense one-dimensional was a great approach, which resulted in yet another takeaway.

As has been the theme this season, Grinch's defense won the turnover battle, with transfer linebacker Tackett Curtis cashing in on his second interception of the season.

Curtis has been a great get out of the transfer portal, as the senior linebacker reunited with Grinch from the pair's time together at USC (2023).

His familiarity with Grinch and other members of the coaching staff was a big reason for his decision to join the Knights, as Curtis articulated this offseason.

“Knowing a few of the people here, knowing it was going to be my last year and wanting some familiar faces,” Curtis said. “Knowing coach Grinch, knowing coach [Pete] Alamar — he recruited me coming out of high school, like he came and saw my hometown. And then knowing coach D’Onofrio a little bit from being recruited earlier in my career.”

The Knights' secondary was once again a highlight, flying around the field for tackles and limiting big plays through the pass.

Jayden Williams, Antione Jackson, and Demari Henderson were three of the Knights' four leading tacklers, as the secondary continues to play a big role in run defense as well.

Henderson, who is making strides at a considerable All-Conference team designation, has been UCF's best defensive player this season.

On Saturday, the Orlando native recorded another pass defensed, adding five tackles.

Henderson was shook up towards the end of regulation, but was able to walk off the field on his own and should be good to go in the coming weeks.

As the Knights look to make a late-season push, consistency in the secondary will need to continue.

Hopefully getting senior linebacker Lewis Carter back from injury soon will also play a big role.