ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – A second-team defensive lineman may have been at least partially responsible for the incredible success of the UCF defensive front in a decisive 38-10 victory over Maryland Saturday.
The Knights' defensive line accounted for eight tackles behind the line of scrimmage (out of 12 total) and 4.5 of the team's 5.0 sacks.
According to starting defensive ends Tony Guerad and Jamiyus Pittman, a great deal of film study last week was greatly beneficial to the defensive line's performance vs. the Terrapins. Both Guerad and Pittman credited Joey Connors, who backs up Pittman, with being the driving force behind the extra film study.
"We just played hard. We watched film all week … just studying what they do," Guerad said. "We completed the mission. Joey Connors always brings it up in our group chat. He goes in early, so everybody tries to get in there early and watch film, so we can all come together."
"We basically follow Joey Connors," Pittman added with a grin and a chuckle. "He's like a coach that's not a coach."
The most pleasing aspects of Saturday's performance by the line, according to Defensive Coordinator Erik Chinander, were the preparation and depth his unit displayed. Nine different defensive linemen – including Connors, A.J. Wooten, Seyvon Lowry, Josh Odigie, Aaron Cochran and Brendon Hayes – all saw action and made an impact.
"They work harder in individual (drills) than any unit on the team. Period," Chinander said. "Not only that, but they were getting together on their own and watching film. Players having meetings is more important than the coaches having meetings. We all knew Trysten (Hill), Pitt and Tony were going to play really well. But that second and third group came in and gave us a lot of snaps and played their butts off, too. I was really happy with them overall. In this defense, if you don't have a great defensive line, you've got no defense."
Head coach Scott Frost was impressed with the defensive front's pass rush.
"I played defensive back (in the NFL). It's really easy to play DB when you've got guys up front that are rushing the passer and making them make bad throws," Frost said. "If we can keep putting that kind of pressure on quarterbacks, our DBs are going to have fun games."
But the defensive line wasn't just slowing down the Terps' passing attack. They may have been even more impressive against the run. Maryland entered the game averaging 315 yards per game on the ground. The Knights held them to just 42 yards rushing, thanks in part to the front three owning the line of scrimmage.
Pittman said the entire defense was proud of what they accomplished in stopping Maryland's ground attack. The Terrapins rushed for 263 yards in a season-opening 51-41 victory at then No. 23 Texas.
"I feel great about that," Pittman said of the rushing numbers in Saturday's game. "It is hard. I can see why they do gash people. That's not a normal scheme and you really do have to stay and play your assignment or they will do what they've been doing to other people."
While the Knights, as an entire team, are thrilled with what some of them have termed a "statement" win over Maryland, they know it was just one step in the process.
"(Coach Frost) told us we ain't finished," Guerad said, while Pittman added he expected that comment from his head coach.
"I kind of knew it was coming," Pittman said. "We'll go back to work Monday like there was no game (last) week and we'll go and attack whoever we play."
That next opponent will be American Athletic Conference West Division favorite Memphis. The important, early league game is slated for 7 p.m. Saturday at Spectrum Stadium.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.
