ORLANDO – After accounting for seven of the UCF football team’s eight sacks on Saturday against West Virginia, the Knights’ front unit has been honored as Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week.
The starting defensive line in UCF’s 45-13 thumping of West Virginia accounted for 5.5 of the total sacks on the afternoon. Edge rusher Malachi Lawrence accounted for two sacks and four tackles. On the other side of the line, edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly forced his second fumble of the season, which was returned for a touchdown by Keli Lawson. Kelly earned 1.5 sacks and eight sacks in the victory, one shy of tying his career-high of nine in a game. His other forced fumble this season came against North Carolina A&T, which also resulted in a touchdown.
Defensive tackle John Walker also forced a fumble in the contest as well as earning seven tackles and a sack, both career-best marks. RJ Jackson Jr. earned his first sack donning the Black and Gold and was the first Knight of the afternoon to bury the quarterback, an effort that led to an avalanche of sacks.
The eight total sacks by the UCF defense against West Virginia was the most since recording nine against Eastern Kentucky Oct. 14, 2000. The Knights have recorded seven or more sacks just four times since becoming FBS members in 1996. The Black and Gold’s FBS record was the nine against Eastern Kentucky; nine is also the most recorded in the FBS this season.
In total, UCF’s defense limited West Virginia to 131 rushing yards, the second fewest this season for the Mountaineers. The 210 total yards UCF limited West Virginia to was the lowest for the Mountaineers this season.
ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.