ORLANDO (UCFKnights.com) – At 7-0, UCF has dominated on all sides of the ball this year. The offense and defense continue to rank among the best in the country, while special teams has consistently put points on the board. For all of the No. 14/15 Knights' success, they have also had to face their fair share of challenges.
Last week against Austin Peay, the defense struggled to slow down a Governors offense that was pulling out all the stops in the first half. UCF surrendered 19 offensive points and 228 yards in the opening two quarters, something that defensive coordinator Erik Chinander wanted to work on this week in practice.
"Our positives were a couple of turnovers and a defensive score," he said. "I was not happy with tackling or the effort. They had some lucky scores, which they did, but that's what happens when the other team plays harder than you do. When we play harder than other people, we get lucky plays. We need to take this as an opportunity to teach."
The Knights turned it around in the second half with smothering defense. The Black and Gold held Austin Peay to 134 yards of total offense and just seven points over the final two quarters.
UCF's defense has not been perfect. The Knights have given up a handful big plays and long scoring drives that have allowed opponents to stay in games for short periods, but UCF's ability to lock it down in high-pressure situations has been a catalyst for its perfect start.
After last week, the Knights rank 16th in the nation in takeaways, 25th in scoring defense and 33rd in total defense, but perhaps the most impressive stat for the defense is one.
UCF has given up back-to-back scoring drives on just one occasion this season. Whenever opponents do put points on the board, the defense kicks it into another gear on the ensuing drive. The Knights have forced three fumbles, three interceptions and four turnovers on downs on the drive after giving up points.
As for turning it on late, UCF has allowed just 55 points in the second half all year.
Chinander noted that success has come from trying to fix mistakes and improve.
"I have to give credit to the kids," he added. "We don't need to refocus them. They refocus themselves, but everybody on our defense knows to never be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes happen. Coach (Greg) Austin always says knowledge is learning from your own mistakes. We have to learn from other people's mistakes so they don't happen again."
The Knights will face another difficult test this weekend with a road trip to SMU. The Mustangs are bowl eligible for the first time since 2012 and off to their best start at home since 1982, due largely to one of the most potent offenses in the nation.
SMU ranks ninth in total offense with 507 yards per game and ninth in scoring offense with 41.5 points per game. The quarterback-receiver connection of Ben Hicks to Courtland Sutton and Trey Quinn has been lethal this season. Sutton has recorded 706 yards and nine touchdowns, while Quinn has caught 79 passes for 874 yards and seven touchdowns.
"They've got a first-round draft choice at receiver who is really good," Chinander continued. "He'd be the top guy at most places, but he's the second because of Sutton. They've got a quarterback that can throw it around. They're the No. 10 offense in the country. I love the challenge."
SMU head coach Chad Morris was insistent that his offense will have to play one of their best games of the season.
"Very hard to find any weaknesses in this football team," Morris said at his weekly press conference. "They're strong, physical and fast. They play very well. They have 17 takeaways on defense. They've had several defensive scores this year. We've got our work cut out for us. We have to play really good on the offensive line, as these guys have proven themselves to be some of the best in the country."
The Black and Gold will have another chance to showcase its smothering defense when the Knights take on SMU in Dallas Saturday night at 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
RISE AND CONQUER
The second season of UCF Football under head coach Scott Frost is now underway. Fans can explore all of the new ticket options at Spectrum Stadium by visiting WeRiseandConquer.com or calling (407) 823-1000.
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