After dominating his season opener with elite pressure rates, the former Panther returns to Pittsburgh to lead a stifling Knights defense against a high-powered passing attack.
UCF's defensive performance on Thursday against Bethune-Cookman is a good sign of things to come for Alex Grinch's unit.
The Knights held the Wildcats to less than 200 yards from scrimmage, while forcing two turnovers and recording three sacks.
Bethune-Cookman carried the ball 40 times for just 107 yard (2.7 yards per carry), with Knights defenders combining for nine tackles for loss.
The 73-6 score was also nearly a 73-point shutout victory, with Bethune-Cookman finding the endzone on the final play of the game.
Junior EDGE Sincere Edwards was one of the best players on the field for UCF, recording six QB pressures and five total tackles.
His six pressures were tied for the third-most among FBS edge rushers.
Edwards was a rotational player last year for the Knights, filling in behind NFL talent like Malachi Lawrence and Nyjalik Kelly on the defensive line.
He recorded just 11 tackles, but did come away with 1.5 sacks.
Unfortunately, he played in just six games before suffering a season-ending foot injury, undergoing surgery following the Knights' loss at Kansas.
But, he looks healthy returning to a full-time starting position on the outside, and provided a huge spark in Week 1.
This Saturday, Edwards will have a homecoming of sorts, as the Knights face off with his freshman year squad - Pittsburgh.
"We want this game for him (Edwards) as much as he wanted it for everybody else,” fellow D-lineman Horace Lockett said about the matchup.
Edwards was a solid producer for the Panthers in his opening collegiate campaign, appearing in all 13 games and recording three sacks.
However, Edwards had unfinished business in Orlando, as he was originally committed to UCF following his high school days at Wekiva High in Apopka, Florida.
But, he eventually landed with Pittsburgh, leaving the Sunshine State.
Now, he looks like a true difference maker on UCF's defensive line, returning back close to home.
He will need a big performance against his former squad this weekend, as the Panthers' passing attack was dominant in Week 1.
Sophomore quarterback Mason Heintschel threw for 450 yards and seven touchdowns, dominating Miami (OH) 59-14.
Roundtable's Demetrius Montero noted the focus from UCF's defense of slowing down Heintschel ahead of the cross-conference matchup.
Running back Duke Watson will also have some additional motivation and nerves, as he suffered an injury against Pittsburgh last season with Louisville, keeping him limited.
If UCF can knock off the Panthers on the road, momentum and vibes will be high entering conference play.
