UCF's Defense Among FBS Leaders in Pressure Rate

Ahead of another ranked matchup for UCF (3-2, 1-1 Big 12), the Knights' defense will be expected to anchor the team and try to slow down No. 18 Oklahoma State's potent offense.

To this point in the season, the Knights have produced on the defensive end, creating turnovers and holding opposing run games in check.

But, coming off of a disappointing 27-17 loss against Houston, where the defense allowed 27 unanswered second-half points, it will be a tall task.

One area UCF should look to attack is through the pass rush, as the team has found success with getting to the quarterback through the early season.

Pro Football Network's Cam Mellor listed the top pressure rates for FBS defenses in non-blitzes, with UCF ranking towards the top.

Trailing only Kansas State for the Big 12 lead, UCF is producing a 13.7% pressure rate on non-blitzes, showing the defensive line's ability to penetrate and disrupt the quarterback's processing.

Against Houston, this was not the case however, with the Knights only recording one sack.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch talked about generating more pass rush earlier this week.

"I don't like seeing one sack on the day or whatever it was," Grinch said during Tuesday's media availability. "We got to find a way to get home and not just on third downs."

One area UCF's pass rushing ability has found success in is blitzing out of the secondary, with Demari Henderson being used closer to the line of scrimmage.

Henderson has been electric for Grinch, currently grading in as the top safety in all of the Big 12 (96.7).

Against TCU, Henderson showed his versatility, recording a sack, five tackles, and a pass defensed.

This week presents the biggest challenge in the passing game yet, with the Cowboys clicking offensively since their shocking Week 1 loss to Tulsa.

Starting quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who entered the season as a dark-horse Heisman candidate, is beginning to produce like one.

In the Cowboys' three-game winning streak, Mestemaker has thrown for at least 300 yards and two touchdowns in each appearance.

Against Murray State, Mestemaker was nearly flawless, completing 20 of his 22 passing attempts for 324 yards and five touchdowns.

Mestemaker has a huge arm and looks to attack downfield, but can also extend plays and move the sticks with his legs.

With no Lewis Carter in the middle, Tackett Curtis will need to play a strong game in the tackling and coverage department.

UCF takes on Oklahoma State on Saturday at 12:00 p.m., as head coach Scott Frost looks to picked up a ranked victory.